Alexander Bublik hits career-high rank with Hangzhou Open triumph

Alexander Bublik continued his remarkable 2025 season by claiming a milestone victory at the Lynk & Co Hangzhou Open on Tuesday, defeating French qualifier Valentin Royer 7-6(4), 7-6(4) to secure his fourth ATP Tour title of the year.

The 28-year-old Kazakhstani delivered another serving masterclass, striking 21 aces and saving both break points he faced in the final. Across his semifinal and final matches, Bublik fired 40 aces and faced just two break points, joining Taylor Fritz as the only players this season to win a title without dropping serve.

“Honestly I always say that wins don’t make me go through the roof and losses don’t put me to the ground,” Bublik said afterwards. “I try to stay stable. I enjoy what I do. I’m happy that I’m able to travel, play tournaments and stay healthy, and the wins are coming… That’s beautiful.”

The victory delivered Bublik’s eighth career title and his first on outdoor hard courts.

It also guarantees a new career-high of No. 16 in the PIF ATP Rankings. He now stands alongside World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz as the only men to capture four or more trophies this year, highlighted by triumphs in Halle, Gstaad, Kitzbühel and Hangzhou.

Bublik was tested by Royer, who was contesting his first tour-level final after a stunning run that included an upset of top seed Andrey Rublev.

Though ranked outside the Top 70 at the start of the week, the 24-year-old Frenchman showed resilience and quality in Hangzhou, rising 13 places to a career-high No. 75 following the breakthrough.

“He played unbelievable, and I wasn’t expecting that,” Bublik said of his opponent. “He was near this level during the tournament, and he exceeded it. He was playing well and I really had to serve and do my best in order to win. I served and hit some amazing shots throughout the match and I won by only a few points.”

The title further strengthens Bublik’s push for a debut appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals. He has climbed three places to 12th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, and with a 31-17 record this season, is just five victories shy of surpassing his career-best win tally from 2021.

For Royer, the week marked the biggest breakthrough of his young career. For Bublik, it was confirmation of a player enjoying both form and freedom in a season that is shaping into his finest yet.