It’s over for Arthur Cazaux and there’s no great regret to be had, as Alexander Bublik was superior to him on Wednesday on court No. 14, in the second round of Wimbledon. In the end, the eighth finalist at the Australian Open in January logically gave way in three sets (6-4, 7-6 [1]6-4) against an extremely square and disciplined Kazakh. Sometimes a little whimsical and off-kilter on the court, Bublik was this time of formidable discipline and efficiency, finishing the match with 45 winning shots for only 14 direct errors!
It was all the more complicated for the 98th French player in the world as he was abandoned throughout the first set by his serve (only 35% of first serves) and was broken at 3-3, before calling the physio in the middle of the second act for discomfort in his right shoulder.
Four consecutive blanks in the second set for Bublik
On the return games, the mission was a pure challenge. Bublik served 64% of first serves, hit 19 aces and gave up only… three points after his first! In the second set, the Kazakh world number 23 even lined up four consecutive shutouts before starting a tie-break that he dominated.
The rain break at the end of the third set did not change the scenario. At 4-5, Bublik had the teeth, landed an untouchable short cross passing shot and made a crazy run to bring back a drop shot and wrap up the affair on a white break. In the 3rd round, the Kazakh will meet the winner of the match between Tommy Paul and Otto Virtanen.
