Molcan Claims First Top-20 Win in Three Years with Bublik Upset

Qualifier shock, Molcan downs World No. 11 Bublik in Munich opener

Qualifier Alex Molcan, ranked 166, stuns world No. 11 Alexander Bublik in straight sets at the Munich ATP 500 to reach the round of 16.

From qualifying to statement win, Molcan blasts past Bublik in Munich...

  

World No. 166 Alex Molcan pulled off a huge upset in the opening round of the ATP 500 clay event in Munich on Tuesday. The Slovak qualifier stunned world No. 11 Alexander Bublik in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.

Molcan booked his spot in the German ATP 500 main draw through qualifying. He rallied from a set down to beat Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena, then took out American Emilio Nava to advance.

After those wins, he knew a tough test awaited in the ATP tournament’s first round against Bublik.

The Slovak opened perfectly: he broke the favourite immediately, held serve to consolidate, and went up 2-0. But he couldn’t hold the early advantage and was soon pegged back to level.

Molcan grabbed another break and even had a shot at a third in the ninth game with two set points on Bublik’s serve. He couldn’t convert, but it didn’t cost him - he closed out the opening set in the next game.

The second set was far more straightforward. Molcan didn’t face any trouble on serve, broke Bublik twice, and wrapped up the upset on his third match point.

The win stunned the heavy favourite and gave the Slovak his first victory over a top-20 player in three years. Next up in the round of 16 is world No. 56 Daniel Altmaier.