The best moment of Alexander Bublik’s life came after the most desperate position of his career.
The 27-year-old has always had a complicated relationship with tennis, stating he hated the sport “with all my heart” in a 2020 interview.
After losing eight of his first 10 matches in 2025 and spiraling down the rankings, his coach suggested a new approach.
It was unconventional, to say the least. But the decision to practice less and head to Las Vegas has worked wonders.
On Wednesday, Bublik will look to extend his remarkable, unexpected French Open run by stunning world number one Jannik Sinner to reach a first Grand Slam semi-final.
He has already upset top-10 players Jack Draper and Alex de Minaur – all just weeks after he wanted to quit for good.
“My coach suggested a trip to Vegas. He’s like, if you [continue to] play like this, we’re just going to be out of tennis, [out] of the conversation,” Bublik said.
“I said, OK, if it goes well, it goes well. If not, thank you very much, tennis.”
It’s safe to say it worked.