'Like an AI generated player': Kazakh's hilarious move while getting flogged by Jannik Sinner
Updated . First published at
Before the match, Alexander Bublik compared Jannik Sinner to an AI generated player and said his goal was simply to win his first service game against the world No.1.
That seemed a reasonable enough ambition given Bublik had held his previous 55 service games and had beaten Sinner in their most recent match in Germany this year.
It was not to be.
Watch all the action from the 2025 US Open live & on-demand on Stan Sport. Coverage of select matches free-to-air on Nine and streaming on 9Now
Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after defeating Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan. Getty
Sinner broke the 23rd seed immediately and then over and over again en route to an utterly dominant 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 victory in the fourth round of the US Open.
After the match, Bublik wrote two letters on his Instagram account. "AI."
The likeable Kazakh even got a laugh out of the ice cool Italian when they embraced at the net after 81 minutes of ridiculous tennis.
READ MORE: Reece Walsh in hot water over 'toilet' video
READ MORE: Tennis villain offers grovelling apology for stealing cap from child
READ MORE: Demon's major statement after Court 17 disrespect
Jannik Sinner of Italy greets Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan. Getty
"You're so good, this is insane," Bublik told Sinner.
"I'm not bad, like what the f---?"
Jelena Dokic concurred on Nine's coverage.
"It's true. He's just so dominant," Dokic said.
"Look, great effort though, fourth round, once again he'll (Bublik) be back inside the top 20. You're always entertained with Alexander Bublik, and I really do believe he has the game to be inside the top 10.
"It's just about how he handles it from here mentally. When he was inside the top 20 last time, he said he relaxed a little bit too much. So I hope you can keep it going, but Sinner, just incredible. And brutal mindset and mentality as well to keep it going in that match.
"Any point, that he didn't need to, showing why he's the world No.1, the favourite here as well and just so dominant on hard courts."
Bublik and Carlos Alcaraz are the only players to have beaten Sinner this season.
It was the second shortest completed match in the tournament with a first round victory for Tomas Machac a minute shorter.
Alexander Bublik celebrates winning a rare game. Nine
Sinner's loss to Bublik in June in Halle was played on a grass court.
Trying to beat the defending US Open champion on a hard court is an entirely different story - and almost impossible these days.
Sinner has won 25 straight grand slam matches on that surface, including the last two Australian Open titles, along with his first US Open trophy last year.
He will face fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti, the No.10 seed, on Thursday (AEST).
The other quarterfinal that day will pit No.8 Alex de Minaur of Australia against No.25 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada.
Bublik had been one of the hottest players in tennis, with an ATP Tour-leading 11 straight victories and three titles, which is tied for the second-best this year behind Alcaraz's six.
Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after a point against Daniil Medvedev of Russia. Getty
Yet Sinner broke him eight times and Bublik could only smile and hold his arms aloft in defeated celebration after winning his third and final game of the night.
Sinner improved to 35-4 this year.
"We know each other very well. We had some tough battles," Sinner said of Bublik.
"Especially this year. He just said congrats and wished me all the best. He had a very tough match in the last match. Today he didn't serve as well as he usually serves.
"I broke him very early in every set which gave me the confidence to serve a bit better.
"I'm very very happy. The first time this year I can play the night match here. It makes such a big difference. I have to say thanks everyone for coming and cheering. This is a very special occasion for us players."
