Bublik Battles Through to US Open 4th Round After Epic Win vs Paul

Bublik’s Unconventional Triumph: A Five-Set Battle at the US Open

New York, August 31, 2025 - In a match that encapsulated the unpredictable and often thrilling nature of late-night Grand Slam tennis, Alexander Bublik, the 23rd seed, outlasted American favorite Tommy Paul in a five-set marathon. The gripping third-round encounter, which ended in the early hours of Sunday morning, saw Bublik emerge victorious with a final score of 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1. The win sends the charismatic Kazakh into the fourth round of the US Open for the first time in his career, where he will face the formidable world No. 1, Jannik Sinner.

The match, a rollercoaster of big serves, brilliant winners, and moments of high drama, was a perfect showcase of Bublik's unique and often chaotic style. Known for his powerful serve, unorthodox shots, and a flair for the theatrical, Bublik used every weapon in his arsenal to keep the American on the back foot.

A Match of Highs and Lows

The early stages of the match were a tight affair, with both players holding serve and battling for supremacy from the baseline. Bublik’s signature powerful serve was on full display, consistently clocking in at speeds of over 130 mph and earning him a staggering 22 aces throughout the contest. Despite a few nervous moments, the first set went to a tiebreak, which Bublik clinched with a combination of aggressive play and a timely unforced error from Paul.

The second set saw Paul, the 14th seed, raise his game. After a disappointing first set, he found his rhythm, returning Bublik’s serve more effectively and finding success with his own forehand. The set, much like the first, went to a tiebreak, but this time, Paul's resilience and a couple of key winners secured the set, leveling the match at one set all.

With the momentum seemingly shifting in Paul's favor, Bublik responded with a renewed focus in the third set. He broke Paul's serve for the first time in the match and maintained the lead to close out the set 6-3. The match appeared to be heading for a relatively quick finish, but Paul, a player known for his fighting spirit, was not ready to concede.

The fourth set was perhaps the most dramatic of the evening. Paul, with the support of the remaining American fans, fought back from a deficit and pushed the set into yet another tiebreak. In a thrilling conclusion, he managed to edge out Bublik, forcing the match into a deciding fifth set and extending the drama well past 1 a.m.

The Final Set: A Display of Grit

After nearly four hours on court, the final set was a true test of physical and mental endurance. It was in this final act that Bublik's resilience shone through. Despite the disappointment of letting the fourth set slip away, he came out firing in the fifth. He quickly broke Paul's serve and never looked back, running away with the set 6-1. Paul, who had battled so valiantly for four sets, seemed to finally run out of steam, and Bublik, fueled by the prospect of a career-best result, played with an incredible focus and aggression.

Following the match, a jubilant Bublik spoke to the crowd, acknowledging the long and challenging nature of the contest. "That's tough, really tough. In five-set format I haven't done it yet," he said. "But I'll try to use my chances." He praised Paul's fighting spirit and acknowledged the incredible support from the fans.

Looking Ahead: The Ultimate Challenge

The victory over Tommy Paul sets up a highly anticipated fourth-round clash for Bublik against the world No. 1, Jannik Sinner. Sinner, the reigning US Open champion, has been in impeccable form, dropping only one set so far in the tournament. Their head-to-head record stands at 4-2 in favor of Sinner, but Bublik has won two of their last three encounters, including a victory at the Halle Open earlier this year.

The match between Bublik and Sinner is a classic clash of styles: Sinner's clinical, all-around game versus Bublik's unpredictable and powerful brand of tennis. While Sinner will be the heavy favorite, Bublik’s ability to hit aces and unconventional winners could pose a serious threat, especially with the confidence gained from his marathon win. The stage is set for a gripping encounter between two of the most exciting players on the ATP Tour