Alexander Bublik shared his thoughts on the stunning Shanghai Masters final between Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech, the lowest-ranked title match at this level in history.
In his typical candid style, the Kazakh admitted that the result reflected more on the rest of the field than on the surprise finalists themselves. World no. 204 Vacherot entered the qualifying draw as an alternate.
He defeated nine rivals to becomes the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 champion. The Monegasque defeated four top-25 rivals, including the four-time champion, Novak Djokovic, en route to one of the most thrilling stories of the previous decades.
Rinderknech, equally impressive, imposed his A-game and finished as the runner-up at his first tournament at this level where he managed to reach the quarter-final.
Bublik suggested that such a scenario could only happen when the sport's top names - including those with Major and Masters 1000 titles - fall short of their usual level of preparation.
The Kazakh saw the Shanghai result as a wake-up call for the rest of the circuit, proof that the depth of modern tennis can produce astonishing storylines when the established order wavers.
For Alexander, the message was clear - the underdogs earned their moment. However, the favorites must take responsibility for letting it happen.
Arthur Rinderknech & Valentin Vacherot, Shanghai Masters 2025 Stream screenshot
Carlos Alcaraz skipped Shanghai following injury issues in Tokyo. Jannik Sinner fell to Tallon Griekspoor in the third round due to cramps, retiring and leaving the door wide open.
Djokovic struggled physically in brutal conditions. The 38-year-old reached the last four before falling to Vacherot in straight sets.
"If Valentin is capable of winning a Masters 1000 tournament, it's our fault. We failed; we did not prepare enough for Shanghai. He beat I do not know how many top-20 players and two top-10 players and won a notable title.
On the other side was Arthur Rinderknech, who also destroyed everyone. It's a question we have to ask ourselves. How is it possible that we, people who have won Masters 1000 and Major titles, were not capable of stopping these two guys?
We have to ask ourselves that. If Carlos and Jannik's level was not there, that's what would happen," Alexander Bublik said.
