Andy Murray opens Centre Court action against one of the biggest characters of the ATP’s so-called NextGen group of players – Alexander ‘Sasha’ Bublik.
The 20-year-old St. Petersburg-native who now represents Kazakhstan is making his Wimbledon debut, as a lucky loser, and he’s not shying away from the big occasion.
Here are 10 things to know about the comedic 135th-ranked Bublik…
1 – He loves to put on a show
When asked by the BBC if he would find the Centre Court experience against Murray intimidating, he said: “It’s beautiful. Finally someone will see my trick shots. I do them every day and nobody sees them.”
2 – He loves an upset
Making his Grand Slam main draw debut, Bublik upset world No16 Lucas Pouille in four sets in the first round at the Australian Open last January. He then lost in round two to Malek Jaziri.
3 – He’s loves rap, especially Eminem
Bublik is really into the hip-hop scene in St. Petersburg, which he describes as the “base of hip-hop in Russia”. He says multiple rappers will be in his box during the Murray match, and he has two tattoos of Eminem lyrics on his arm: “You won’t break me, you just make me stronger than I was” and “Always be a leader and not a follower”.
4 – He represents Kazakhstan, but still lives in his native St. Petersburg
“I was Russian for all my life but they never supported me. I was always like second, third, fourth and they never supported me, so I was like ‘why should I play for you?’ For example if they’re giving some money and everything to the other players – it’s not even about the money, it’s about the support. You’re giving everything to one guy and nothing to the guy who’s just No3. So I got an offer and I said ‘okay, I’m going to leave’. I still live in St. Petersburg and I’ve got a map of the city on my arm,” says Bublik.
5 – He’s not big on watching the ‘Big Four’
“I follow fellow NextGen players but not the top guys, especially. They always win.” he says.”Even Rafa and Fed, they’re putting everything in the court, it’s not interesting. It’s interesting to see the highlights, how they’re finishing the ball, but when they’re rallying for like 45 shots, you’re sitting and you think ‘okay, can I quit tennis please?'”
6 – He’s a man without a plan
“I think that’s the key why I’m playing tennis at this level. It’s because my game is unpredictable. I don’t even know what I’m going to do,” says Bublik about his game.
7 – He liked James Blake growing up
“I never had idols in my life, so I never watched any of them playing. If you asked me how many titles Federer won, probably I will not know. When I was young, I watched James Blake, I just remember he had a great forehand,” says Bublik.
8 – He could have a future in broadcast
9 – He’s really good friends with WTA player Daria Kasatkina
10 – He has one Challenger title
Bublik won his first and only Challenger title to date at the Morelos Open in Mexico last February.