Alexander Bublik beats Andy Murray for the Newport semifinal

Alexander Bublik avenged his Stuttgart Open loss to Murray by beating him in straight sets 7-5 6-4 in Newport.

It was a very interesting match between Andy Murray and Alexander Bublik. They had a heated clash in Stuttgart earlier this year but this match was a bit tamer. Kind of. Both received code violations in this one as both had moments of frustration. Murray actually got two code violations as he was clearly frustrated with the way he played.

He did not play too badly although he was the weaker player overall. The opening set was a typical grass match where both players won over 80 % points behind their first serves. Bublik did not allow a single break point the entire opening set and Murray generally struggled with returning. The Brit allowed only one and it came late in the set.

It was a break point Bublik converted for the 7-5 win. The 2nd set opened with Bublik breaking Murray in the first game of the match but then losing two games in a row. From there it was an even playing field for both but eventually, Murray capitulated again after some spectacular shot-making from Bublik. Two backhands down the line sealed the break and he was largely unbothered in finishing off the job 6-4.