Bublik keeps ball kid dry, retires during rain delay

Over the past couple of seasons, it’s become clear there is no shortage of personality with Alexander Bublik.

The 22-year-old, who has become known for his use of the underhand serve and executing an array of trick shots this year, is a colorful character. Two weeks ago, he reached his second ATP final of the season, finishing runner-up to Pablo Carreno Busta in Chengdu.

On Tuesday at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, he showed his compassionate—and comical side—when rain halted play during his match with Felix Auger-Aliassime. With a ball kid holding an umbrella over Bublik, the Kazakh pulled the child underneath to keep dry. Bublik then kept the interaction fun by tickling the boy.

Ranked a career-best No. 54 this week, Bublik did not resume his match with Auger-Aliassime. Before the showers stopped, he retired from the first-round encounter, down 7-6 (5), 4-0, 30-30. “Illness” was cited as an official reason on the ATP’s draw sheet.