DAVIS CUP FINALS

December 1, 2021

Alexander Bublik

Team Kazakhstan

Press Conference

N. DJOKOVIC/A. Bublik

6-3, 6-4

Kazakhstan - 1

Serbia - 1

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. How do you handle a tough match against a No. 1 like Novak Djokovic? Very, very tough match for you.

ALEXANDER BUBLIK: What's the question, "how do you handle"?

Q. (Off microphone.)

ALEXANDER BUBLIK: I guess, well, I don't know. I don't really understand the question, to be honest with you.

Q. How do you prepare psychologically for these kind of matches?

ALEXANDER BUBLIK: Same like any other match.

Q. (Question about the doubles match.)

ALEXANDER BUBLIK: I don't understand you, sorry. Were you asking about the doubles match?

Q. Yeah, the options for your team in this match.

ALEXANDER BUBLIK: The options? Well, we have great doubles players which they are going to play, and we're going to support them.

Q. You started the year as No. 50. You finished the year as No. 36. Is more or less what you expected, or you were hoping for much better or so-so? Also, what is the feeling to play against the No. 1 in the world?

ALEXANDER BUBLIK: Well, thanks for the question. Regarding the ranking, I really think I'm No. 36 in the world only because of the frozen ranking, because currently in the race I'm No. 25 or so.

I was not taking any ranking goals because I knew that it's going to be dependent on the players who will drop the points in 2021 or will not drop the points, because in the race I'm like 25 in the race, which is the ranking. I would be happy if I would be in the singles standings not 36 but 25, because that's what I earned because I made a lot of points, and that's what my ranking should be.

It's just a number, and in this kind of year, you have to adjust, you have to understand that this is only one year like this, and next year can have a chance to prove it.

I mean, playing Novak, it's tough, I would say, because, I mean, he's a great champion, he's a great player. Sharing the court with him, I'm having some great rallies. I think it's good for any player to improve. These kind of matches helps you improve a lot.

Q. You have an Italian sponsor, as far as I know. Do you have any thoughts for next year? Are you happy with that? What is your relationship in general with Italy?

ALEXANDER BUBLIK: I mean, Italy is one of my favorite countries. I like the food, I like the people, I like the language. I have Italian tattoo on my body. I think I have all the connections to Italy. I really like the place.

I hope, yes, we are having contract extended for another couple of years, and I'm happy to be part of Italian team.