By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday October 22, 2023
Alexander Bublik won 36 of 37 first-serve points and defeated Arthur Fils for his third career title on Sunday at the European Open.
Photo Source: TTV
France’s Arthur Fils may indeed be the next big thing in tennis, but he’ll have to wait his turn.
The 19-year-old talent was denied his second title of 2023 on Sunday by a rocket-serving Alexander Bublik, who converted 36 of his 37 first serve offerings and notched a 6-4 6-4 decision in Antwerp for his third career title.
“I’m lucky to beat him in a final before he becomes a next big thing,” said Bublik. “The only way to beat you was serving all the aces, and I did very well.”
Bublik praised the young Frenchman and gave him words of encouragement after the final.
“I know you work hard, you’re so young, and I know how you feel right now – I lost [six finals]. I wish you a lot of titles, and great job to your team.”
Bublik had to be flawless with his first serve because he was only able to win 9 of 26 second serve points, thanks to 11 double faults.
He held his ground, saving the three break points he faced to claim his second title of 2023. Bublik also won his first 500 title earlier this summer on the grass in Halle, where he defeated Andrey Rublev.
“Another title, great week, I’m very happy,” he told the crowd.
The 26-year-old is already the only man from his country to win multiple ATP titles.
Fils, playing in his second ATP final, drops to 19-15 on the season. He was bidding to become the first French teen to win a hard court title since Henri Leconte in 1982, and the third overall.
He completed his second Top-10 win on Saturday, taking out No.7-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinals.