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Bublik's rise from Vegas refresh to Sinner showdown

Alexander Bublik lays on the ground after defeating Jack Draper at the French OpenGetty Images

Alexander Bublik has gone beyond the third round at a major for the second time in his career

Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

French Open 2025

Dates: 25 May-8 June Venue: Roland Garros

Coverage: Live radio commentaries across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app

The best moment of Alexander Bublik's life came after the most desperate position of his career.

The 27-year-old has always had a complicated relationship with tennis, stating he hated the sport "with all my heart" in a 2020 interview.

After losing eight of his first 10 matches in 2025 and spiralling down the rankings, his coach suggested a new approach.

It was unconventional, to say the least. But the decision to practise less and head to Las Vegas has worked wonders.

On Wednesday, Bublik will look to extend his remarkable, unexpected French Open run by stunning world number one Jannik Sinner to reach a first Grand Slam semi-final.

He has already upset top-10 players Jack Draper and Alex de Minaur - all just weeks after he wanted to quit for good.

"My coach suggested a trip to Vegas. He's like, if you [continue to] play like this, we're just going to be out of tennis, [out] of the conversation," Bublik said.

"I said, OK, if it goes well, it goes well. If not, thank you very much, tennis."

It's safe to say it worked.

Journey back from 'disgraceful' low

Stood with hands on hips, face covered in red clay after falling to the ground in joyous disbelief following his fourth-round win over Draper, Bublik lapped up the crowd's adulation.

Eyes filled with tears, he told the crowd: "Sometimes in life, there's only one chance. I had a feeling that that was mine and I couldn't let it slip.

"Standing here, it's the best moment of my life."

What has made it even sweeter is how unexpected it all is.

Alexander Bublik celebrates after winning his French Open fourth-round match against Jack DraperGetty Images

Alexander Bublik came back from a set down to beat Jack Draper 5-7 6-3 6-2 6-4

Bublik, currently ranked 62nd, is set to return to the top 50, only three months after dropping to 82 in the world.

"I was telling my coach I want to quit tennis because I can't be 80 in the world, it feels disgraceful. I hated it," Bublik told TNT Sports.

"I had no room to cry. If I have room to cry, I always will cry.

"When you have no options [left], this is how it works."

The 'Hangover-style' Vegas reset

Bublik's trip to Vegas - off the back of a first-round exit at Indian Wells in March - was never meant as a training exercise.

He told reporters it was "like a Hangover thing Vegas" - a reference to the 2009 comedy film.

"My fall was not linked with lack of attitude and lack of practising," said Bublik, who has been criticised for his on-court behaviour and racquet smashing.

"I just burned out because I was waiting for the results to come. I got to the point of 'OK, why am I sacrificing so much? For what">