Bublik Faces Popyrin in Paris Masters Showdown

PARIS, France — Alexander Bublik, ranked No. 13 in the world, will begin his campaign at the 2025 Paris Masters against Alexei Popyrin of Australia on Oct. 27. Bublik, who started the current season strong with a title win in Hangzhou, has faced challenges, including early exits at the China Open and Shanghai Masters. However, he rebounded at the ATP 500 event in Vienna, where he reached the quarterfinals before losing to Jannik Sinner, the eventual champion.

Popyrin, currently ranked 48th, has struggled significantly this season, finishing with a 17-21 record. He missed the Asian swing and faced early defeats in both Stockholm and Vienna, where he lost in the first round to Sebastian Korda and Matteo Berrettini, respectively. With both players looking to end their seasons positively, Popyrin aims to regain his form on the quick indoor court in Paris.

This match marks the fourth meeting between the two players, with Popyrin leading their head-to-head series 2-1. Notably, while Bublik won their last encounter on clay in Madrid, Popyrin triumphed in the two previous matches played on hard courts. Both players are known for their strong serves, which will be vital on the indoor surface.

Bublik boasts an impressive 85% service game win rate this season and a 66% success rate on service points, while Popyrin’s inconsistent performances include a modest 35% return point win rate. Given his recent form, Popyrin’s challenge will be to promote consistency against Bublik’s power.

As the match approaches, Bublik’s quarterfinal appearance in Vienna may give him a psychological edge. Despite his past difficulties, the Kazakh is poised for a strong showing as he seeks to secure a win that could lead him deeper into the tournament.

Bublik has set his sights on this match as a critical stepping stone in his campaign, remarking, “Great fights — Paris coming up!” With the stakes high in the Paris Masters, fans can expect an intense and competitive showdown.