World No. 33 Alexander Bublik has slammed the “circus” retirements of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in a bizarre rant against tennis greats.
Bublik, who was born in Russia and represents Kazakhstan on the ATP Tour, returned to the professional ranks in 2016 and has a career record of 152 wins and 150 losses.
The 27-year-old also hasn't made it past the fourth round of any of the four major tour events in his career.
But in translated and widely circulated comments, Bublik chose to slam the departure of two of the sport's modern-day greats.
Nadal, 38, retired last year after a disastrous injury-related run, but Bublik was asked if he would overcome his physical problems during his career or if he wanted to retire at the peak of his career.
“Yes, I want to retire at my peak,” Bublik told Russian media outlet Match TV.
“Obviously I'm not Rafa, if you can call me that, but my legacy is much smaller.
“What happened between Andy Murray and Rafa was a circus. You can't call it anything else.
“These two have accomplished everything they set out to accomplish.
“Even as fellow tennis players, we used to look at them with our mouths open in the locker room, and then we see them bald and old.
“We understand that they are past their prime and will never be as good again.
“In my opinion, this is not even a circus, it’s a disgrace, maybe that’s a better word.
“The way Rafa retired was fine, though.''
Spanish legend Nadal retired with 22 Grand Slam singles wins, including 14 at Roland Garros, but battled repeated injuries in the latter half of his career.
Murray famously “retired” in a memorial video at the 2019 Australian Open before continuing his career for another six years.
The Scot, who was world No. 1 for 41 weeks during his career, won Wimbledon twice and the 2012 US Open, but lost in the Australian Open final five times.
Murray, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, also battled a lingering hip injury before retiring last year.
Bublik, who won four career titles and reached a career-high No. 17 in the rankings last May, was asked what he thought about Murray, 37, parting ways with the sport.
“Unfortunately no,” he said. “Now he (Murray) has joined Novak Djokovic's team (as head coach).
“These are attempts to cling to things that no longer exist, echoes of the past.
“I hope this doesn't apply to my case, but I can't say for sure.
“Maybe when I turn 36 I'll be in Bangkok playing for the Challengers, but I hope I can still be at peace with myself.”
Bublik's comments drew strong reactions, with many criticizing X and criticizing his stand against all-time greats.
One person wrote: “I feel mean to say this, but after Bublik's scathing remarks about Nadal and Andy Murray, I hope he has a shitty season!!!” He is a sports legend who has earned the right to decline accordingly. Good luck, because it's unlikely you'll achieve even a quarter of what they achieved in their careers. ”
Another person tweeted: “What's wrong with them staying on tour as they get older? They still want to work hard, train, travel and play. I don't understand how shameful this is. I'm very confused by this.
“If Bublik retires, no one will care about him, but past champions with a history of Murray, (Federer), Novak and Rafa have no idea when is the right time to retire. You can decide for yourself what's appropriate, and you can do it. They've earned it.” Or perhaps they have earned that right. ”
The couple thought a little more about the Kazakh right-hand man.
Another comment read, “Good morning, Bublik is an idiot.”
“He's crazy, and always has been,” declared another.
But while there was support for Bublik, others wondered if tennis' great player had stayed on tour too long.
One commenter said, “He's right, both of them should have retired a year and a half ago.Anyway, they're dragging out an overwhelming retirement.''
Another said: “He was right, but his tone was harsh.”
All of this could add up to make the crowd even more excited when Bublik takes the court at this month's Australian Open.
