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Bublik vs Van de Zandschulp: Clash of Titans!
8 Jan
Summary
- Alexander Bublik, ranked 11th, begins his season at the Hong Kong Open.
- Botic van de Zandschulp enters as an injury replacement, ranked 75th.
- The duo has a 2-1 head-to-head record favoring the Dutchman.
Alexander Bublik, the World No. 11 and second seed, is set to make his 2026 season debut at the Hong Kong Open. He will face Botic van de Zandschulp in the Round of 16 on Thursday, January 8. Bublik enters the tournament after a remarkable 2025, highlighted by a quarterfinal appearance at the French Open and a victory over Jannik Sinner.
Van de Zandschulp secured his spot in the Round of 16 after a hard-fought three-set victory against Jan-Lennard Struff. The Dutchman, currently ranked 75th, entered the Hong Kong Open as an alternate for Arthur Fils. He aims to leverage his 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Bublik, though Bublik won their latest match last year.
While Bublik is favored to advance deep into the tournament, he may face initial challenges with match fitness after a two-month break. Van de Zandschulp had a strong first half of 2025, including wins over top players, but experienced a dip in form later in the season. This encounter promises an intriguing contest between two players seeking to establish momentum early in the new season.
