Bublik makes history with second Montpellier title

Alexander Bublik became the first player in ATP history to win a tournament by winning every single one of his matches from a set down when he beat Borna Coric 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 in the Open Sud de France final on Sunday afternoon. Bublik completed his remarkable run to the title after firing 19 aces to prevail in two hours and 18 minutes.

It is the 26-year-old’s second title in Montpellier, having previously triumphed at this indoor ATP 250 in 2022.

Fourth ATP title for Alexander Bublik! 🏆

Despite losing the first set in every match this week Bublik prevails, taking down Borna Coric in the final 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 to win the title in Montpellier. #OSDF24 pic.twitter.com/mlMWBI2yZ3

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 4, 2024

“I was on the verge of losing in my opening round; now here I am standing with the title,” Bublik said during the trophy ceremony. “Thank you to the crowd for supporting me throughout the week.

“I’ve seen all these great [former] champions out there, and my face is [among them] in the stadium [because of 2022]. Maybe if I continue playing like this, I will have more of my pictures here. I’m really happy.”

“Obviously I‘m very sad about the final,” admitted Coric, who–like Bublik–was seeking a fourth ATP title. “It was a really good match. I enjoyed it and it was a great fight. I had my chances but he was serving really big in all the big moments and he was the better player today.”

Following a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed, Bublik began his week with a 1-6, 7-6(12), 6-3 victory over Denis Shapovalov, saving three match points in the process. The Kazakh defeated compatriot Alexander Shevchenko 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals before beating Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the semis.

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