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Daniil Medvedev called Alexander Bublik "very unique" and noted that he deeply respects the Kazakh for always being himself. Bublik, 25, is one of the most interesting personalities on the Tour but not everyone is a big fan of the Kazakh.
When it comes to Medvedev, he admires Bublik just because the Kazakh is never trying to be something that he is not. "I just like watching him play. I like that he doesn't care - at least that's what I feel like - what people say against him.
I remember when he played in the final with the frame. I wouldn't do it. It doesn't mean that you have to insult him. I went on comments, people were going crazy, 'how can you do this in the final? Well, he is in the final, he can do whatever he wants.
That's his choice. No one can argue with this. So that's why I really like about him. I feel like he's - how you call it - special. But there's another word I wanted to say, I forgot it. Yes. He's very unique and he sticks to it. That's what I like.
That's what I respect and I'm looking for a tough match," Medvedev told Reem Abulleil of Bublik.
Medvedev on Bublik: I like that he doesn't care - at least that's what I feel like - what people say against him. I remember when he played in the final with the frame.
I wouldn't do it. It doesn't mean that you have to insult him. I went on comments, people were going crazy... pic.twitter.com/0I9Bxn4ejj — Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 28, 2023
Medvedev defeated Bublik in Dubai
On Tuesday, Medvedev defeated Matteo Arnaldi 6-4 6-2 in the Dubai first round.
On the other side, Bublik was up by a set when Alexandar Lazarov retired their Dubai opener. Following those two results, Medvedev and Bublik set up a Dubai round-of-16 meeting, which Medvedev 6-4 6-2. Medvedev, 27, has never been beaten by Bublik.
In 2016, Medvedev defeated Bublik at the Kazan Challenger and also at the St. Petersburg Open. After not playing against each other for four years, Medvedev and Bublik met three times in 2021 - with the Russian winning each of their three meetings. It is fair to say that Medvedev is a very difficult opponent for Bublik.