Alexander Bublik is the first qualifier for the semi-finals. The Kazakh defeated Denis Shapovalov, seeded fourth, in three sets 7/5 4/6 6/3 and 2h16 of play.
In the first set, 22-year-old Alexander Bublik saved four break points against him before taking the lead (7/5). Shapovalov then managed to tie the match at one set apiece, but the Kazakh took his chance in the final set, stepping up the pressure at 4-3 on his Canadian opponent's serve. Leading 5-3 thanks to this break, Bublik was able to serve for the match, leaving Shapovalov helpless.
" My game is based on my serve, and I didn't succeed in this area in the second setsaid Alexander Bublik after his victory. We've known each other for a long time, even though I was playing him on the tour for the first time. I was really happy to break him in the first and third sets. "
At 22, Bublik is playing in the Marseille tournament for the first time. Born in Russia, the Kazkakh has played in two finals, in Newport and Chengdu, in 2019. After confiding that he did not like tennis and that he only played for the money, the Kazakh softened his words after qualifying for the Marseille semi-finals: " I enjoyed the game "he said with a smile.
This is the second year in a row that a Kazakh player has made it to the last four in Marseille. Last year, Mikhail Kukushkin caused a sensation by reaching the final, despite being ranked 50th in the world.
In the semi-finals, Alexander Bublik (55th) will face the winner of the match between defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas and Canadian Vasek Pospisil.
