APTOS, August 14, 2017

Alexander Bublik, who turned pro in 2014 and is currently ranked 11th in the #NextGenATP Race to Milan, concluded an amazing week of tennis following his defeat against Australian veteran Sam Groth in the semi-finals. Bublik capped off his week with a victory in Sunday’s final of the $100,000 Nordic Naturals Challenger Presented by Santa Cruz County Bank over British qualifier Liam Broady.

The 20-years-old from Kazakhstan sent down six aces, winning 77 per cent of his first service points to prevail after 62 minutes. Bublik lifted his second ATP Challenger trophy, following his triumph in Morelos earlier this season. He took away $14,400 in prize money as well as 90 ATP ranking points, reaching a new career high World No. 104 on Monday.

Splash! @AlexanderBublik celebrates his victory in Aptos with his team and tournament ball kids. #ATPChallenger 🏆 No. 2 for the #NextGenATP pic.twitter.com/MRDZSBtaaU

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) 14. August 2017

Skupski/Erlich Take Doubles Title

Third seed Neal Skupski from Great Britain and Jonathan Erlich of Israel won the heated doubles final versus Australian duo Jordan Thompson and Alex Bolt. Both teams put on an incredible show as Skupski and Erlich pushed their opponents to a third-set super tiebreaker after losing a tough second set. However, the momentum was in Skupski and Erlich’s direction as they led 5-1 in the super tiebreaker and went on to win the match 6-3, 2-6, 10-8 after 69 minutes.

“Though I usually play doubles with my brother, I enjoyed playing with Erlich. He gave me tips. It was great experience to play with someone who has won a grand slam before,” told Skupski.

RESULTS – AUGUST 13, 2017

Singles – Final
A. Bublik (KAZ) d [Q] L. Broady (GBR) 62 63

Doubles – Final
[3] J. Erlich (ISR) / N. Skupski (GBR) d [4] A. Bolt (AUS) / J. Thompson (AUS) 63 26 10-8