Alexander Bublik has not held back in his assessment of Andy Murray’s retirement, branding the British tennis icon an “embarrassment” for the way he handled his exit from the sport
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ByChris BurnsMaria Ortega
14:19, 7 JAN 2025
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Alexander Bublik has shared his controversial opinions once again
Alexander Bublik has shared his controversial opinions once again (Image: Sander Koning/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
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Alexander Bublik has sparked outrage by labelling Andy Murray an “embarrassment” and criticising Rafael Nadal’s retirement from the sport.
The Kazakhstani player was unsparing in his critique of the three-time Grand Slam champion, deeming Murray’s departure from professional tennis akin to a “circus”. Known for his contentious remarks, Bublik didn’t shy away from sharing his latest anarchic opinions.
In what some see as a step too far, the 27-year-old not only targeted both tennis icons’ decisions to continue playing through injuries but also made incendiary comments, saying: “We saw a bald man and an old man” in derogation of Murray and Nadal.
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After an illustrious two decades, Murray, 37, hung up his racket in August 2024 following an inspiring doubles quarter-final run at the Paris Olympics. Nadal, 38, said his own goodbyes in November 2024 with a heartfelt speech at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga that prompted tributes from several tennis greats alongside a video montage of his iconic career.
Yet, when speaking to Match TV, a Russian media outlet, Bublik displayed a stark indifference towards the players’ emotional farewells. He went on to lambast Murray’s recent decision to enter into a coaching role for Novak Djokovic as a desperate attempt to hold onto his past glories, reports the Daily Record.
Nadal and Murray were both blasted by Bublik (Image: Getty Images)
We want to retire in the best possible way. It’s clear that I’m not Rafa Nadal and my legacy will be much smaller, if you can call it that, but he is not what he was and will never be again,” he said.
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“What happened with Nadal and Andy Murray in their retirements was a circus, I can’t call it anything else. We used to watch them with our mouths open in the locker room but then you see a bald man and an old man. For me it was an embarrassment, a circus. I think that’s the most correct way to put it.”
On Murray’s partnership with Djokovic, he added: “It’s an attempt to prolong something that is no longer there, some echoes of the past. I think it’s a problem and I hope not to live the same situation when the day of retirement comes. Maybe at 36 I’ll go to the Challenger in Bangkok, but I still hope to go out with a clear conscience.”
Bublik, whose Grand Slam record peaks at the fourth round, faced Murray five times, losing three of those encounters to the Scottish legend. Controversy isn’t new for Bublik, however.
Murray and Djokovic have joined forces (Image: Getty Images)
Earlier this year, Australian star Nick Kyrgios had to reprimand the Russian-born tennis figure for using disparaging language against disabled individuals during the US Open in 2023. Bublik is now gearing up for the Adelaide International starting today (Tuesday, January 7), his only warm-up event ahead of the Australian Open.
While Murray’s collaboration with Djokovic has raised a few eyebrows, the Scottish star’s expertise will be key in helping Djokovic claim a record 25th Grand Slam title at the upcoming Melbourne-based major. Djokovic has also spoken highly of adding Murray to his team.
“I love talking to him about the nuances, the details, how I can improve my game, how I can gain an inch, court positioning more comparing to my opponent, and every bit of percentage counts at the highest level,” he said.
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