Kazakhstan's #NextGenATP star Alexander Bublik is soaring towards the Top 100 of the Emirates ATP Rankings, after claiming his second ATP Challenger Tour title in Aptos, California. Bublik lifted the trophy on Sunday with a strong 6-2, 6-3 victory over Liam Broady. He now sits at a career-high No. 104 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, climbing 21 spots. Bublik's win marks the 12th time a player from the #NextGenATP contingent has won on the Challenger circuit this year. He previously prevailed on the hard courts of Morelos, Mexico, in February. 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) August 14, 2017 You...
Paul Kepler knows better than most the balancing act of awarding wild cards into one of the most sought after spots in an ATP Challenger Tour draw. This week, the Aptos Challenger event celebrates its 30th anniversary and Kepler has been at the helm as tournament director for 27 of those. With an honour roll of past champions including Marcos Baghdatis (2014), Steve Johnson (2012), Andy Murray (2005), Daniel Nestor (1995) and Patrick Rafter (1993), it is easy to see why this event has developed such an enviable reputation. As luck would have it, even a former No. 2 in the Emirates ATP Rankings has been known to request a last-minute place in the draw. “We’ve had a number of...