Kazakhstan's top-ranked men's singles player Alexander Bublik, ranked 22nd in the world, shared his emotions about visiting Almaty at a press conference, where he will compete in the ATP 250 hard-court tournament for the first time, infohub.kz reports.
The athlete admitted that he is eagerly anticipating his first match and wants to experience the court and the energy of the local fans. "It's an ATP tournament here, one you try to win at all costs. But when you come to a home tournament where people love and await you so much, you are to some extent obliged to give back. The people are the ones we play tennis for. I will do everything needed for the children, the federation, the fans. That's why I arrived early. We flew all night — and I'm already here. I understand that I'm not here that often, that I can't come often and give people not only the media aspect but also an official tennis match — God willing, several. Of course, I try to schedule as many events as possible in the first days: master classes, children's days, autograph sessions, press conferences. And then, a couple of days before the tournament, stop doing all that and focus and prepare for the match," Bublik said.
According to the tennis player, over the years of competing under the Kazakh flag, he has developed a strong connection with the country. "Once I was a young guy who needed support and caring people who would look after me. Kazakhstan gave me that. At first I came here as a guest, as a foreigner. But then I developed my connection with the people and the country. Although I don't come here often, I always do so with pride. I try to engage with the fans and the audience. I sincerely consider Kazakhstan my second home. Although to some extent I remain a foreigner, I have a deep emotional connection with this country. I am sure I will carry it with me throughout my life. Kazakhstan will always be a special place for me," Bublik emphasized.
At the Almaty Open, the athlete is seeded third. He will start in the second round, where he will play the winner of the match between compatriot Timofey Skatov and Hungary's Fabian Marozsan.