Alexander Bublik received his Gstaad-Kitzbuhel-Dubbel when he defeated Arthur Cazaux for the second time in two weeks to raise the Generali Open Trophy in Kitzbuhel 6-4 6-3 and at Casper Ruud (2021) and Matteo Berrettini (2024) as the only three players.
Last week, Bublik moved past Cazaux in the semi-final of Gstaad on the way to the Kroon in Gstaad and again came to the top against the 22-year-old Frenchman after 84 minutes of play at the ATP 250-level event.
“I can’t believe I did it, because it was probably one of the most difficult weeks in my life, because I came from Gstaad, playing here, various circumstances and raining. I am happy that I came through and thank you for supporting me during the tournament,” said Bublik, who won three of the last four events he played.
In some rainy circumstances, Cazaux, who played his first Tour final, was overwhelmed by Kazakhstan’s top seeds that slapped freely in the first set and then his approach varied with his forehand and drop shots in the second.
“I knew he had the week of his life,” Bublik said about Cazaux. “That was my 14th final. But I remember the first as it was yesterday. It was very difficult, but I wish him all the success. I used the few chances I had and I am glad I won.”
Bublik, who hit 26 winners, has now won his last eight games and has a record of 17-2 since the French Open. Where he reached his first big quarter final.
With the Kitzbuhel victory, the 28-year-old removed three trophies for the first time in a season after he won Gstaad and the ATP 500 event in Halle in June, where he disrupted the world no. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Bublik will rise five places to no. 25 in the ranking, while Cazaux climbs 25 places to no. 75 when the new offers are published on Monday.
Alexander Bublik (L) is steeped in champagne by Arthur Cazaux (R) after the presentation ceremony
(Photo by Stefan Adelger/APA/Expa/AFP via Getty images)
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