Bublik Defeats Etcheverry, Advances to AO 2026 Fourth Round
Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik has made headlines by defeating Argentine player Tomás Martín Etcheverry in the third round of the Australian Open 2026. This victory marks a significant milestone for Bublik, as it is the first time he has advanced to the fourth round of this prestigious tournament.
Bublik’s Performance Against Etcheverry
In a match held on Margaret Court Arena, Bublik, currently ranked World No. 10, showcased his skills with a score of 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. The match lasted for 2 hours and 37 minutes and was characterized by powerful serves, relentless groundstrokes, and Bublik’s signature drop shots.
- First Set: Both players held strong, with Bublik missing three break points and Etcheverry failing to convert a set point. A tie-break decided the set in favor of Bublik, 7-4.
- Second Set: The trend continued with another close 6-6 tie. Bublik secured this tie-break as well, finishing it 7-5.
- Third Set: Bublik broke Etcheverry early and maintained his lead to close out the match with a 6-4 set.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Bublik has matched his best performances at Wimbledon in 2023 and the US Open in 2025, where he fell short of reaching the quarterfinals. He is set to face Australian Alex de Minaur, currently ranked 6th in the world. De Minaur reached this stage by defeating Frances Tiafoe from the USA with a score of 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
The head-to-head record between Bublik and de Minaur stands at 3-2, favoring Bublik, who has won their last two encounters.
Other Kazakhstan Players in Action
In addition to Bublik’s success, several other Kazakhstani players continue to compete in the tournament. Elena Rybakina and Yulia Putintseva are still active in the singles draws. Meanwhile, Anna Danilina remains in contention in both the doubles and mixed doubles events.
