Alexander Bublik is looking dangerous on clay in his first event on this surface of the year, but now faces the ultimate test here in Monte Carlo.
After all, having impressed against the likes of Gael Monfils and Jiri Lehecka, Carlos Alcaraz represents another level of challenge.
The Spaniard won almost every clay event he featured in last year, and knows that if he fails to defend his crown in Monaco, he will lose the world number one spot.
Alexander Bublik, speaking after his latest win over Lehecka, offered his thoughts on having to face the 22-year-old next.
Alexander Bublik previews his match against Carlos Alcaraz
Chatting on Tennis Channel, the Kazakh tennis star was unsurprisingly enthused after an emphatic straight-sets victory to secure his spot in the quarter-finals.
After all, regardless of the result in his next match, a run to this stage represents his best-ever performance at the Monte Carlo Masters, and just the fourth time he has ever made it this far in a Masters 1000 event.
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However, it will take something special if he is to keep his run alive, and Bublik will know it.
Alas, he was lighthearted in this interview when asked about the matchup, noting: “It’s not easy with them, but we always joke with Carlos that we never played each other. I think I played Jannik, like, nine times or something. I have never played Carlos, so I guess if it’s meant to be here, it’s not the easiest challenge, but that’s what tennis is about.”
“I hope he’s going to enjoy himself a bit more tomorrow, and then I have more chances.”
Alcaraz has been given a warning about Bublik ahead of their clash, proving that the world number 11 certainly is a serious threat to his title defence.
Carlos Alcaraz responds to Alexander Bublik’s claim about him and Jannik Sinner
Earlier this week, Bublik was actually discussing the prospect of playing both Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and described them as ‘untouchable’.
He claimed: “Perhaps they might correct me, but I believe that in Grand Slams, they are untouchable.
“The only ones to defeat Jannik in a Grand Slam have been Carlos and Novak. That’s it, no one else. Nobody is getting close to them.”
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He's qualified for his first career Masters 1000 QF!
Asked about that suggestion after realising that he faced Bublik next, Alcaraz responded to this notion, admitting: “Yes, it’s true that we have won the last nine Grand Slams, I believe, but even so, I don’t think we’re invincible in Grand Slams.
“When someone like Bublik, a top-10 player, says that… it gives you a lot of confidence. Someone who understands this sport as well as Bublik stating that we can’t lose in a Grand Slam, it helps us gain more confidence.”
The power dynamics at play later today in their match could be truly interesting after these admissions.
