ATP Ranking: Bublik bursts into the top-10 and Musetti explores his limits

Carlos Navarro | 11 Jan 2026 | 23.49

Musetti and Bublik, the main protagonists of the week in the ranking. Source: Getty

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First week of the season and the ATP ranking greets us with significant changes in the top positions. The United Cup and the ATP events in Brisbane and Hong Kong have lifted several players to heights that not only threaten the rest of the circuit in Australia, arriving in an impressive form, but also find reward in the rankings, with some of them pushing their historical limits.

This is the case for two prominent figures who now share presence in the top 10. The most remarkable, due to his journey and attitude, is undoubtedly Alexander Bublik. The Kazakh, who triumphed in Asian lands after a week of outstanding performance, is now the new #10 in the rankings; it marks the first time that a player who wasn't even among the top 80 eight months ago is now part of the top 10. Facing the 2026 Australian Open in this manner is truly remarkable.

But not only Sasha shines in the forefront of the rankings. His opponent in the final, Lorenzo Musetti, will also arrive in Melbourne at his highest historical ranking: he is now the new #5 in the world, a position that was bound to change after Taylor Fritz's slight drop due to his inability to defend his points from the last United Cup. Another change in the top 10 sees Felix Auger-Aliassime dropping to #7 in the world, with Fritz teetering on the border at #9 in the rankings.

Other news in the ATP rankings: Rublev back in the top 15, Tsitsipas to be seeded in Australia, and Hurkacz with a significant rise

The first week of the year has not only provided excitement in the top 10. Andrey Rublev, a constant presence near the top, has regained his place in the top 15 by moving up two spots. Holger Rune is the one affected, feeling the consequences of his injury as he drops out of the top 15; it won't be the only position he loses. The other big highlights of the week are further back, notably a Polish giant who has capitalized on his victories in the United Cup.

Wild. This describes the progression of Hubert Hurkacz. Wins over Zverev, Griekspoor, Fritz, and Wawrinka have propelled the Pole in the rankings, allowing him to reclaim much of the lost ground after half a year out of action. With the added value of defeating two top-10 players (the United Cup being the only tournament where extra points are earned based on the opponent's ranking), Hubi has climbed 30 positions to reach the new #53 in the world, dangerously approaching the leading positions. Watch out for him in Melbourne; any player, including Alcaraz or Sinner, could face him in the first round of the Australian Open.

Another player who salvaged the start of the season is Stefanos Tsitsipas, who accumulated enough wins to be seeded at the first Slam of the year, rising only two positions. It's sufficient; other shining names this week, like Sebastián Báez or Brisbane runner-up Brandon Nakashima, also move up four positions. Lastly, the Challenger circuit brings us great joys: Pedro Martínez, the champion in Bengaluru, climbs 25 spots to reach #71 in the world, while Rafa Jódar, the runner-up in Canberra, debuts in the top 150 with a 15-spot rise. Alexander Blockx, his conqueror in the final, breaks into the top 100 at the age of 20 thanks to his achievements in Oceania.