Insolite - Bublik takes Tiafoe at his word: "Like Tiafoe did, I've lost to clowns"

Alexander Bublik put his mind at rest on Wednesday. Plunged into a rather embarrassing spiral of doubt since the start of the grass-court season due to physical problems, the Kazakh player seems to be getting back on track.

After a difficult first round in which he got off to a poor start before regaining control (victory 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2), the world number 23 showed much more mastery in the second round.

Against Arthur Cazaux, he largely dominated the game, winning in 3 sets (6-4, 7-6, 6-4).

Asked how he felt at the moment, Bublik borrowed a phrase from Frances Tiafoe, who confessed a few days ago to having lost to "clowns":

"The first few weeks, I injured myself at the start of a match against Musetti. I was barely walking and really struggling. I wanted to play in Halle, but they told me not to.

I wanted to play in Eastbourne, but I was told not to because it could harm Wimbledon. I told myself I'd take the risk, that I'd give it a try because it's my favorite surface.

It was very disappointing for me and my team to lose so, I too, like Tiafoe did, lost to clowns (smile)."