
via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – May 31, 2021 Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in action during his first round match against Russia’s Danil Medvedev REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – May 31, 2021 Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in action during his first round match against Russia’s Danil Medvedev REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
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The 24-year-old who won his first ATP title this year at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier, by defeating Alexander Zverev said that, unlike popular belief, the players are not really exchanging ideas about the ban. He however reiterated the point made by?Novak Djokovic?and said that it was his belief that tennis should not become a scapegoat of politics, as that destroys the sanctity of the sport.
“For me, sport is also a distraction from normal life, if you will – and no sport should be mixed up too much with politics… It’s all about getting comfortable with a beer in front of the TV and following your favourite player or team. It’s a great pity for the fans that this is now limited,” Bublik said.
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Bublik also discussed his denounced Russian citizenship

via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 19, 2022. Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in action during his second-round match against France’s Gael Monfils. REUTERS/Morgan Sette
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Alexander Bublik himself was born in Russia, but in 2016, he renounced his Russian citizen to become a Kazhak citizen. He said that it was because the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation gave him more opportunities and support; which apparently the Russian Tennis Federation did not. In the exclusive?interview?with Eurosport, he also said that he was proud to represent Kazakhstan, the country where he was born.
“I no longer have a Russian passport, because two citizenships are not allowed,”?he added.?Bublik also said,?“I have no connection with the tennis federation in Russia. I am a Kazakh and have been playing for the country for almost six years. I am proud to represent Kazakhstan.”
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Given the current situation, the future of the Russian and Belarusian players is hanging in the balance as more and more tournaments are contemplating their policies. Here’s hoping that world politics does not impact these players’ chances at personal success, irrespective of where they are from.
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