Bublik’s Paris Masters Dream Ends in Frustration Against Auger-Aliassime
Alexander Bublik presented a formidable challenge for any tennis player during this week’s Paris Masters. The Kazakh representative was in outstanding form – defeating two top-10 opponents and reaching his first career semifinal at this level.
Auger-Aliassime’s Masterclass Ends Bublik’s Run
World No. 10 Felix Auger-Aliassime swept past Bublik with a commanding 7-6(3), 6-4 victory in their semifinal encounter. The Canadian continued his demonstration of elite-level tennis after playing what statistical metrics showed was his best match of the season against Valentin Vacherot in the quarterfinals.
Small Details Made the Difference
The match ultimately came down to fine margins and crucial points. In the opening set, Felix served phenomenally – particularly during the tiebreak where he never missed a first serve.
Bublik’s downfall came from two consecutive forehand errors at 2-1 and 2-2 in the tiebreak, despite his forehand working excellently and consistently throughout the set until that point.
The quality of Auger-Aliassime’s game clearly frustrated Bublik, who was heard exclaiming: “On TV they hit into the net. I’m ####### tired of this, #####!”
The Strange Second Set and Racket Destruction
Auger-Aliassime himself described the second set as “strange” during the post-match handshake. Indeed, while neither player had break opportunities in the first set, they exchanged five service breaks in the second.
Bublik expressed surprise at the Canadian’s declining serve: “Genius. He served 90% in the first set, and now how much does he have – 10, #####?! Brilliant.”
Despite this, Bublik couldn’t capitalize. After starting with a break, he immediately gave his serve back – and smashed his racket in frustration. The Kazakh player then led 4-1 but proceeded to lose five consecutive games.
Auger-Aliassime’s Dominant Finish
By the match’s conclusion, Felix was playing at such a level that Bublik could only wonder: “What is this nonsense, #####?”
The Canadian was returning almost every serve powerfully at Bublik’s feet and spectacularly spreading the ball to all corners during rallies.
(It’s worth noting that before this season, Felix simply didn’t have the down-the-line backhand he used to launch this attack. He previously couldn’t play that shot.)
On his own serve, the Canadian repeatedly executed a simple pattern: serve through the middle, then hit a forehand winner in response to short, high returns.
This was a demonstration of straightforward, effective attacking tennis that continues what might be Auger-Aliassime’s best career season. He reached his second Masters final and secured qualification for the ATP Finals.
The Canadian will play for the title against either Jannik Sinner or Alexander Zverev.
