Harley, Germany – The highest ranking Jannik Sinner was subverted by Alexander Bublik 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Harley Grass Championship on Thursday.
Haller defending champion Sinner has played in his first game since losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Roland-Garros final.
The three-time Grand Slam champion beat Yannick Hanfmann in the first round of the week, but the big-service Bublik took revenge after losing to Sinner in the quarterfinals in Paris.
“It’s a special person – I’ve never beaten the highest (No. 1) in the world, and it’s an achievement,” No. 45 Bubic said in his stadium interview.
Kazakhstan players recorded 36 winners and 15 aces against the top seeds in Wimbledon Warm Up Championship.
“I’ve been in service and kept him in a uncomfortable position and it worked very well,” said 2023 Halle champion Bublik, who will face Tomas Machac in the quarterfinals.
Also on Thursday, the second seed Alexander Zverev surpassed Lorenzo Sonego with 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) to reach the quarterfinals.
