Alexander Bublik showed his respect for fellow player Richard Gasquet after defeating him in the first round of the Open 13 Provenze in Marseille 6-4, 6-4. Despite his victory, the Kazakh disagreed with being interviewed on court, believing the home player should have the spotlight.
The world No. 48 has often found himself at the centre of controversies, but he didn’t hesitate to express his admiration for his opponent. Gasquet, 38, had announced his retirement for 2024 before later reconsidering and deciding to extend his career. He is expected to play Roland Garros this year, along with a few other clay-court tournaments.
At the end of the match, the presenter approached Bublik for the on-court interview, but the Kazakh felt it would be more appropriate to honour Gasquet instead. He criticised the decision not to interview the French star, highlighting his remarkable career as one of France’s tennis leaders in recent decades.
"I have a question: why are you interviewing me and not him after this match? He has had a spectacular career—20 years on the Tour, nearly 1,000 matches—it’s incredible. I don't think I'll ever reach those numbers. I wish him the best when he retires in a few months. He's a French tennis legend."
Bublik will face another home player in the second round, former world No. 17 Ugo Humbert. The French No. 1 entered the tournament as the top seed and received a first-round bye, making this his first match since reaching the Australian Open fourth round, where he lost to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev.
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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