“The Crazy Guy” has won again, claiming his first-ever title on clay, reaching new heights in Asian men's tennis.

On Sunday, July 20, at the ATP 250 event in Gstaad, Kazakhstan's star player Bublik triumphed over Argentina's Cerundolo with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, securing his second title of the season following Halle. This championship trophy is particularly significant as it marks his first title on clay, making him the 14th active male player to hold ATP titles on hard, clay, and grass courts, further validating his all-around skills.

Located in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 1,050 meters, Gstaad's thin air enhances Bublik's serving power, averaging over 200 kilometers per hour, allowing him to fend off break points multiple times during the final.Bublik has also reduced his risks at the net, increasing his stability in baseline rallies, showcasing rare defensive counter-attacking abilities on clay. Bublik demonstrated remarkable mental resilience during the final set when he was trailing, continuing his signature style of aggressive play combined with focus at critical moments.

In terms of his progression, Bublik was in outstanding form: in the quarterfinals, he easily defeated seventh seed Kecmanovic 6-4, 6-3, and in the semifinals, he swept past French rising star Korda 6-1, 7-5, advancing to the final without dropping a set.

With this victory, Bublik's world ranking has risen to 30th, firmly establishing him as the top player in Asia. In the past, Bublik was known for his "wild card" persona, characterized by explosive serves and high-risk attacks, leading to significant fluctuations in performance. However, his transformation this season is evident, first winning a 500-level title on grass in Halle, and now achieving a breakthrough at this event: in his career previously, all five of his titles were on hard and grass courts, and now he has filled the gap on clay,becoming one of the few active players to have titles on all three surfaces, gradually eliminating his technical shortcomings.

As the current top player in Asia, although he still trails behind former top Asian player Nishikori during his peak, Bublik's upward momentum is promising. If he can maintain his hot streak and advance past the second week at the US Open, he may rewrite the history of Asian men's tennis.

Bublik's championship in Gstaad not only signifies a personal breakthrough but also heralds new possibilities for Asian men's tennis. If he can combine the defensive resilience of clay with the offensive firepower of grass, his performances at the US Open and future Grand Slams are worth looking forward to. The glory of Nishikori may not be out of reach, and Bublik's era is rapidly approaching.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei )