Ukrainian Upsets Bublik, Advances in Metz

Metz, France – Ukrainian tennis player Vitaliy Sachko pulled off a stunning upset on Wednesday, defeating World No. 13 Alexander Bublik 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 at the ATP 250 event in Metz.

Sachko, a 28-year-old lucky loser, achieved the biggest win of his career, earning his first ATP Tour quarter-final spot after two hours and nine minutes of play. Notably, he did not face a single break point during the decisive third set, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

“I focused on my game and took my chances when they came,” Sachko said after the match. His victory halted Bublik’s bid to finish the season within the Top 10. Following this match, Sachko climbed 36 spots, now ranked No. 186.

Sachko’s advancement marks a significant moment for Ukrainian tennis, as he is the first player from his country to reach a tour-level quarter-final since 2019. In the tournament, American Learner Tien also secured a spot in the quarter-finals, overcoming Tunisian Moez Echargui 7-6(3), 6-3. Tien, now ranked No. 37, will face Italian Matteo Berrettini, who defeated Czech player 7-6(5), 6-3 in another quarter-final.

In a separate match, French player Clement Tabur moved ahead by defeating Alexander Blockx 6-7(4), 7-6(6), 7-6(6), which set him up to face Sachko next. Tabur expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m really looking forward to the challenge.” Meanwhile, Bublik’s exit from the tournament means his focus will now shift to upcoming events as he attempts to reclaim a higher ranking.