NEW YORK Alexander Bublik didn’t hold back his pre-match assessment of Jannik Sinner, telling ESPN inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, He’s like an AI-generated player. Little did he know, those words would soon feel eerily prophetic. Over the course of just 81 minutes in the fourth round of the US Open, Sinner showcased a level of precision and power that made Bublik’s statement seem almost understated.
Bublik entered the match on a high. The 28-year-old had held serve 55 consecutive times, won two titles, and racked up 11 straight wins since Wimbledon. He had also beaten Sinner in their June encounter and recently defeated No. 14 seed Tommy Paul at the same stadium. Confidence should have been his ally, but Sinner quickly turned the tide.
Sinner Dominates From the First Point
From the very first game, it was clear that Bublik’s dominance on serve was under threat. He fired six first serves, all of which Sinner returned effortlessly. By the time he faced break point, Bublik looked rattled, and a double fault immediately ended his streak of service holds.
As the first set unfolded, Bublik’s confidence eroded further. A half-hearted drop shot sailed into the net at 0-4. Later, two consecutive underhand serves ended in double faults. At set point, another weak drop shot handed Sinner an easy winner, closing the set decisively.
Consistency and Precision Seal the Match
The following sets offered no reprieve. Bublik’s struggles continued as he double-faulted and was broken in his opening games, while Sinner methodically executed running forehand passes to widen the gap. Reflecting on his performance,
Sinner said,
“I broke him very early in every set, which gave me the confidence to serve a little better.”
He faced just one break point all match and won 81 percent of first-serve points. So much energy here, he added, commenting on the electric atmosphere of Ashe, where he made his night debut.
Meanwhile, Bublik’s typically formidable serve faltered; he hit only two aces and 13 double faults. He managed just 19 percent of points on his second serve, finishing with 13 winners and 31 unforced errors. Yet even in defeat, he entertained the crowd with a few spectacular reflex returns, eliciting roars of appreciation.
By the end, the scoreboard told the story: a triple-breadstick loss, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1. As the players shook hands, Bublik, ever the sportsman, summed it up with a smile:
“I’m not bad. But what the f?”
Sinner’s performance was a masterclass in control, power, and poise proof that on this night, he truly played like something beyond human.
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