After an impressive 2025 season, Alexander Bublik has continued to prove why he is one of the most improved players on the ATP Tour.
On Thursday, Bublik began his 2026 season by defeating The Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in the Hong Kong Open round of 16.
Bublik, who considered retiring from his playing career at the end of 2024, will play China’s Jerry Shang in the quarter-finals.
If he defeats Shang, Bublik will face Marcos Giron or Michael Mmoh in the semi-finals. Mmoh, the world number 285, stunned top 20 star Karen Khachanov on Thursday morning.
If you were in charge of tennis, what is the first rule you would change?
If Bublik were to win the Hong Kong Open, he would achieve a significant milestone.
Alexander Bublik could break into the ATP top 10
If Alexander Bublik wins the Hong Kong Open, he will enter the ATP top 10 for the first time in his tennis career.
Bublik currently sits on 2,865 points, having gained 20 ATP points from his victory against van de Zandschulp
If he wins the tournament, Bublik will gain a further 230 ATP points.
The Kazakhstani player would be on 3,095 points – 105 ahead of British star Jack Draper, who recently announced his withdrawal from all 2026 competition in Australia.
Bublik would not rise any higher than world number 10; Taylor Fritz is ranked ninth in the world on 3,840 points.
Alexander Bublik’s monumental opportunity
Alexander Bublik could make a major leap in the rankings if he performs well at the first Grand Slam tournament of 2026.
Bublik was knocked out in the first round of the 2025 tournament by Francisco Cerundolo, meaning he has no points to defend in Melbourne.
Consequently, the Kazakhstani player could gain a maximum of 2000 ATP points at the Australian Open.
Who will win the 2026 men’s Australian Open?
However, Bublik has a poor record in Australia. He has never made it past the second round, reaching it in 2017, 2021 and 2022.
