There are many tennis players who are left unhappy when they have to play very late matches, but Alexander Bublik has a very different perspective than most.
Bublik has been in terrific form at the start of 2024. Just over a week ago, he won his second Montpellier title by defeating the former Cincinnati Open champion, Borna Coric.
Ironically, Bublik's first match since that triumph was against Coric once again. He met the Croatian in the opening round at the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam, and managed to prevail against him once more.
However, Bublik's performance in his 6-3, 6-4 victory at the 2024 Rotterdam Open against Coric is not what has created the most headlines. Instead, it is the 26-year-old's comments about playing the match at 11 am in the morning.
Bublik is known for his unique personality and it was quite clear from his post-match comments to the Tennis Channel that he is not a morning person.
"I had no expectations when I saw the schedule. I was like 'I won't be playing'. In the morning I was texting my coach around 7:30, last time I woke up 7:30 was before October. Before 10 you won't see me awake".
The Kazakhstani player then elaborated on the communication he had with his coach and how he was complaining to him about the early schedule when he first woke up.
"I was texting my coach 'maybe we should pull out.' I mean I go to sleep 7:30. I mean, what is this for? Huh, tell me? So I'm really happy just to get through and really happy with my performance, that I stayed there, I put the balls in the court, even though it was difficult for me at such an early time."
Bublik then humorously finished his thoughts on the issue with a simple question for the interviewer to ponder.
"Who does work at 11? I don't know. So yeah, I'm just happy to get through."