Jannik Sinner stunned: Alexander Bublik delivers massive upset at Halle Open

Alexander Bublik delivered a massive surprise by eliminating World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Round of 16 at the Halle Open. The Kazakh gained revenge for their match two weeks ago at Roland Garros, securing the best win of his career with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 scoreline.

After their clay-court encounter—a surface Bublik dislikes—things were different on grass. The World No. 45 becomes only the fifth player to defeat Sinner in the last two years and is the lowest-ranked player to beat the Italian since August 2023 at the US Open (a loss to Lajovic, then No. 66).

First Set: Sinner Takes Early Control

The first set quickly favored Sinner, who easily won points on his serve and secured a break in Bublik's opening service game. The Italian knew he would have to capitalize on the few opportunities the Kazakh would give him, as Bublik definitely felt more comfortable on grass than on clay.

This proved to be a decisive advantage, as neither player conceded further break opportunities. Bublik won 11 of his next 12 service points but never found solutions for his opponent's serve. The World No. 1 held firm on his serve (winning 88% of first serves and 71% of second), closing out the set without major difficulties, 6-3.

Second Set: Bublik fights back

Things seemed to be going well for Sinner, who won his first two service games without conceding points and had Bublik on the ropes, wasting four break opportunities. In the sixth game, Sinner got into trouble, starting 0-30, and it ultimately cost him the break on the third break point. Bublik took the lead and, with an impeccable serve, went up 5-2.

The Kazakh didn't waste his chance to close the set on his serve, and after a tricky moment at 30-30, managed to take the set 6-3. This time, the Kazakh was much more aggressive than his opponent, hitting 20 winners to Sinner's mere 8, although he also committed 12 unforced errors compared to the Italian's 7.

Third Set: The decisive break and career-best win

In the third set, both players created opportunities in a match that became closer than ever. Not many can boast of keeping pace with Sinner's baseline game, but Bublik showed he's in a new state of inspiration this season.

The score reached 3-3, with both having saved two break points against them so far. It was then the key moment when Bublik secured a new break opportunity, and this time he took it. He moved towards victory by taking the lead on his serve and finally didn't hesitate to deliver the biggest surprise of the week.

Bublik claimed the win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and advanced to the Halle Open quarterfinals. This is his first victory against a reigning World No. 1. Bublik is also only the fifth player to defeat Sinner since the start of 2024, and the lowest-ranked player to do so since August 2023.

Match Statistics Sinner vs. Bublik