GSTAAD, Switzerland — Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik claimed one of tennis’ most unconventional trophies after securing the Swiss Open title with a hard-fought victory over Casper Ruud in the final. The 26-year-old, known for his flamboyant style and unpredictable game, lifted the trophy—a giant cowbell—after a thrilling 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win on the clay courts of Gstaad.
A Trophy Unlike Any Other
The Swiss Open, held in the picturesque Alpine town of Gstaad, is renowned for its unique prize: a massive cowbell, a nod to Switzerland’s pastoral traditions. Bublik, never one to shy away from humor, couldn’t resist joking about his new acquisition. "I don’t know where I’ll put this—maybe in my garden to scare away the birds," he quipped during the trophy ceremony.
The trophy, weighing over 10 kilograms and engraved with the names of past champions, is a far cry from the sleek silverware typically handed out at ATP events. Past winners, including Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem, have also marveled at its eccentricity. Bublik, however, seemed genuinely delighted by the novelty. "It’s heavy, it’s loud, and it’s definitely one-of-a-kind. I love it," he said.
Bublik’s Path to Victory
Bublik’s journey to the title was anything but straightforward. Seeded third, he faced a tough draw but showcased his trademark blend of power and creativity. Key moments included:
- Quarterfinal: A grueling three-set win over rising star Dominic Stricker, where Bublik saved two match points.
- Semifinal: A dominant performance against Roberto Bautista Agut, dispatching the Spaniard in straight sets.
- Final: A rollercoaster clash with Ruud, where Bublik’s serve-and-volley tactics proved decisive.
Reflecting on the final, Bublik admitted, "Casper is a beast on clay, so I knew I had to take risks. I went for my shots, and thankfully, they landed in today."
A Turning Point for Bublik?
The victory marks Bublik’s second ATP title of 2024, following his triumph in Montpellier earlier this year. Once criticized for inconsistency, the Kazakh has shown remarkable growth under coach Artem Suprunov. "We’ve worked hard on his mental game," Suprunov revealed. "Alexander has always had the talent, but now he’s learning to channel it."
Bublik’s ranking is set to rise to a career-high No. 23, cementing his status as a dark horse for the upcoming US Open. His unorthodox style—mixing underarm serves, tweeners, and sudden net rushes—has made him a fan favorite. "I play to entertain," he said. "If people enjoy watching me, that’s a win in itself."
Ruud’s Disappointment
For Ruud, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The Norwegian, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, had been aiming for his first title of the season. "I had my chances, but Alexander was just too good today," Ruud conceded. "That’s tennis—sometimes you win, sometimes you learn."
The Swiss Open’s Unique Charm
Beyond the cowbell trophy, the Swiss Open is celebrated for its idyllic setting and intimate atmosphere. Nestled at 1,050 meters above sea level, the tournament offers stunning mountain views and a relaxed vibe. Players often cite it as one of their favorite stops on the ATP Tour.
Tournament director Jean-François Collet emphasized its distinct appeal: "We’re not a Masters 1000, but we offer something special—a connection to nature, tradition, and the fans. That’s why players keep coming back."
What’s Next for Bublik?
With the US hard-court swing approaching, Bublik will look to build on his momentum. His next stop is the ATP 500 event in Hamburg, where he’ll face stiff competition. "I’m feeling confident," he said. "But tennis is unpredictable—just like my game. So let’s see what happens."
As for the cowbell? Bublik has promised to bring it to his next tournament—if airport security allows. "I’ll try my best," he laughed. "But no guarantees it won’t get confiscated."