Bublik single-handedly overturns Asian men’s tennis, while Zheng Qinwen’s entry into Abu Dhabi sparks widespread discussion

After the initial series of tour events in the new season wrapped up, Asian tennis surged strongly on the global stage once more. Bublik’s display in particular earned significant respect for Asian men’s tennis.

Last year, after Bublik was replaced as Asia’s top male player by Zhang Zhizhen, fans and netizens jokingly called him a “model of learning from shame and then striving,” as he stabilized his game and repeatedly delivered strong results, hoping he would maintain this momentum and not fade quickly.

Later, Bublik performed impressively, closing the 2025 season with four titles in Halle, Gstaad, Kitzbühel, and Hangzhou, strongly reclaiming the position of Asia’s top male player, earning widespread praise for this Kazakhstani star.

With the new season underway, Bublik’s appearance in the main draw of the Hong Kong 250 tournament immediately sparked speculation: can he continue last year’s strong form at the Hong Kong event and lead Asian men’s tennis to a roaring start in 2026?

It is often said that being the leader means setting a good example for the juniors, and Bublik has done this exceptionally well.

From his season debut in Hong Kong, Bublik showed everyone through his actions that his series of highlights in the 2025 season were not just luck but a direct result of his solid skills, powering his way into the final.

Facing top-ten player Musetti in the final, Bublik—nicknamed “the Challenger” by fans and netizens—attacked the Italian from the very first set. After winning the first set in a tiebreak, he dominated the second set 6-3, securing the title and preventing the Hong Kong 250 crown from leaving Asia.

At the moment of Bublik’s victory, many praised Asia’s top male player for demonstrating dominance early in the new season, saying, “His victory over Musetti truly earned him a spot in the world top ten.”

“My only goal this season was to break into the world top ten, and I achieved it in the very first week. Not only did I win the title, but I also entered the top ten. If someone had told me this last April, I wouldn’t have believed it. I’m very happy now and hope to maintain this form,” said Bublik, who became the first Kazakhstani male player to reach such a ranking, instantly becoming a new benchmark for Kazakh men’s tennis.

Interestingly, shortly after Bublik entered the world top ten for the first time, a netizen’s witty comment quickly circulated: “Bublik single-handedly has completely shaken up and transformed the current Asian men’s tennis.”

What this netizen meant was that Bublik’s level reveals the vast gap between him and other Asian male players, a gap almost like a chasm.

According to the latest ATP rankings, Bublik is currently not only the sole Asian face in the world top ten but also the only Asian male player within the top 100. On the Asian men’s ranking list, Shevchenko is ranked 104th, Japan’s top player Mochizuki Shintaro is 112th, and China’s leading player Bu Yunchaokete is 120th, among others!

Moreover, Bublik’s breakthrough into the world top ten marks another peak moment for Asian tennis.

In 2014, Asian tennis was celebrated as historic when Li Na and Kei Nishikori simultaneously ranked in the world top ten for women’s and men’s singles. It was thought such a scene might not be seen again, but 12 years later, Bublik has reignited that excitement.

Another surprising Asian player, Zheng Qinwen, soon after announcing her withdrawal from the Australian Open, quickly made headlines again by registering for the Abu Dhabi 500 tournament, sending her trending on social media once more.

After Zheng’s announcement to skip the Australian Open, many believed that due to her “not being at 100% fitness,” a quick comeback was unlikely. Unexpectedly, seeing her name on the Abu Dhabi entry list brought joy and surprise.

Some bluntly said that when Zheng withdrew from the Australian Open, it was assumed her injury recovery was not promising and that she might not return before the clay season. Now, her entry into Abu Dhabi suggests her injury has healed, though she may not yet be fully satisfied with her condition. It’s speculated that the Chinese star might be planning a big comeback and thus is cautious about returning.

However, others hold a different view regarding Zheng’s Abu Dhabi registration, pointing out that signing up and actually competing are two different things. Since this 500 event takes place after the Australian Open, and Zheng’s withdrawal statement implied a longer recovery, can she really be at 100% right after the Australian Open?

Based on current public opinion, many conclude that while Zheng’s comeback in Abu Dhabi is worth looking forward to, people should also be prepared for the possibility she might withdraw again to avoid disappointment.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonlight River Starry Sky)