Alexander Bublik defeated Andrey Rublev 6-3 3-6 6-3 to claim the biggest title of his career in Halle.
The Kazakh defeated Rublev for the first time in four attempts after a three set win over the world number seven.
Bublik was dominant and aggressive on serve as he has been throughout the week as he produced 42 winners on his way to claiming the biggest title of his career in a 95 minute victory.
Speaking after the win Bublik admitted that it meant the world to him to win only his second career ATP title, “It really means the world to me,” Bublik told the ATP website.
“I’ve been struggling for half a year and now having this a reward, I don’t take it for granted. It was hard work. I was walking through the little hall of fame here before entering the court for the very first time against Struff [in the second round], and I was like ‘Wow, the different names, a lot of guys I’m familiar with. That would be nice maybe to have it one day’.
“But I could not even imagine that I would win this tournament, and I’m really, really happy.”
The title for Bublik means he will be seeded for Wimbledon as he will move up 22 places in the world rankings to 26 in the world.
Before the tournament Bublik was ranked 48 in the world and was looking to make it third time lucky in winning an ATP title on grass having failed on two previous occasions in Newport.
Now a week later Bublik has his grass court title and will now avoid the likes of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in the opening round, when the draw gets made for Wimbledon on Friday.
Bublik’s Route To The Halle Title:
R1: Borna Coric [7] 6-3 6-1
R2: Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3
QF: Jannik Sinner [4] 7-5 2-0 RET
SF: Alexander Zverev [9] 6-3 7-5
Final: Andrey Rublev [3] 6-3 3-6 6-3
