Alexander Bublik defies medical advice to play in front of home fans before injury ends his Almaty run: “The doctors told me not to play”

Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 08:30

Alexander Bublik’s Almaty Open campaign ended in disappointment after the Kazakh retired from his semifinal against Daniil Medvedev with a right knee injury. The world No. 19 had fought through a dramatic quarterfinal against Karen Khachanov the previous day, but the physical toll proved too much, leaving his participation in the remaining tournaments of the season in doubt.

Bublik had been hoping to make a deep run at his home tournament, where the support of the local crowd has always been an important factor. His quarterfinal victory over Khachanov was one of the most dramatic matches of his season, with the Kazakh recovering from a set down to win 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(5).

The injury, however, changed the picture entirely. Bublik hurt his right knee at 5-4 in the third-set tiebreak, just before completing the victory, and subsequently required medical examinations. Despite the setback, he decided to take to the court for his semifinal against Medvedev, although he was unable to continue beyond the opening set.

The setback could also affect Bublik’s plans for the closing weeks of the season. Basel is his next scheduled tournament, and he intends to travel there, but he remains uncertain whether he will be fit enough to compete. The Paris Masters and Stockholm are also potential options, depending on his recovery.

Bublik defies doctors’ advice to play in front of home fans

Bublik revealed that doctors had advised him against playing the semifinal, but he was determined to make the effort for the Almaty crowd. The Kazakh explained that the decision was made with his team and the federation, even though he expected the injury to make it difficult to last more than a few games.

“20 minutes before the match, I was told not to play. We made a decision, my team and the federation, that I’m going to give my best, that I’m going to tape my knee, and I’m going to step on the court,” the former top-10 said in press conference. “My goal was to step on the court, to show my love to the Almaty fans, to show my love to the country."

Alexander Bublik slices during Hurkacz tie

"I was thinking I wasn’t going to survive for more than two or three games, but the crowd carried me on, and I stayed for the set, which was really an achievement and a victory for me today.”

The 28-year-old also described the sudden change in emotions after his quarterfinal victory, explaining how a match that initially appeared to be one of the highlights of his season quickly became a medical concern.

“It’s tennis, it’s sport. You play your best, then you get injured in the last point of a match,” Bublik added. “You win one of the best matches of the season in your home country, in this tournament you always wanted to play, and then in ten hours you’re in the hospital doing MRIs, but that’s what sport is about; that’s what makes you tough.”

Bublik confirmed that he had spent much of the following day dealing with the injury, with the hospital visit leaving little time to recover before the semifinal. His decision to play ultimately allowed him to appear in front of his home fans, but he was unable to complete the match against Medvedev, retiring after losing the first set 6-3.

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Basel remains on Bublik’s schedule as season-ending injury fears grow

Bublik’s immediate priority is recovering from the knee problem, with his participation in the remaining tournaments of the season uncertain. He is expected to travel to Basel, but has admitted that playing there is unlikely. Paris and Stockholm remain possible later stops, although his recovery will determine whether he can return to competition.

The potential absence would be a disappointing end to a successful campaign. Bublik reached the top 10 for the first time in his career and won the Hong Kong Open title, while also reaching the final in Kitzbühel. Those results marked another strong season for the Kazakh, even if they did not match his achievements in 2025.

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Last year, Bublik won four titles and reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, among other notable results. He also reached the semifinals of the Paris Masters, a run he would be unable to defend if his knee injury keeps him out of the tournament this year. That could cost him ranking positions before the end of the season, with Bublik currently sitting at No. 19 in the world.

For now, however, his focus remains on the injury sustained at the end of his victory over Khachanov. His willingness to play in Almaty despite medical advice demonstrated how much the home tournament meant to him, but the coming weeks will determine whether he can make another appearance before the season concludes.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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