Why Alexander Bublik's title at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier is a first in ATP history ?

Bublik’s determination paid off during this Open Sud de France. Free Midi – Alexandre Dimou

With his second victory at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier after his 2022 title, Alexander Bublik made ATP history, thanks to his victory against Borna Coric in final 5 -7, 6-2, 6-3, Sunday January 4.

Not content with having won his fourth title since the start of his career thanks to his victory in the final against Borna Coric, the second in Montpellier after 2022, Alexander Bublik (future 23rd in the world) has effectively become the first player in history to win a tournament after losing the first set in all his matches, since the creation of the ATP circuit in 1990.

And everything could have stopped on Wednesday evening, at the end of the night. After losing the first set, the Kazakhstani managed to save a match point, win a narrow tie-break (14-12) then the match straight away against the Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

"It’s been an exhausting week for me with all the comebacks. I spent four hours more on the courts than Borna this week. For me, it was just about not having cramps, continuing to serve and staying in the match. What worked, Bublik congratulated.

Broken racket and fired coach

Sunday, however, he was in a good position to win the first set, leading 4-1, 15-40 on the Croatian's serve. But after putting his nerves on his racket, Coric managed to get by in this game to then break the break and win the first set. Which caused a rather funny scene, Bublik insulting and dismissing his coach for having given him bad advice at 4-1 precisely…

But as in his previous matches, the whimsical Kazakhstani completely reversed the situation, between devastating serves, drop shots and slices to vary and annoy Coric. From 4-2 in the second set, Bublik won five consecutive games to put the world number 37's lead underwater.

Despite obtaining four break points, Coric was unable to get back into the match and finally lost 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 after 2 h20. "It’was a big fight, I had my chances but he served very well during the key moments. Well done to him, he was the best player, recognized the native of Zagreb.