La curieuse raison pour laquelle Bublik refuse de jouer à Cincinnati : "Ce n'en vaut pas la peine"

Alexander Bublik will once again make an unusual decision during the North American tour. The Kazakh has confirmed that he will not compete in the 2026 Cincinnati Masters 1000, maintaining a personal tradition that has been going on for years. His last participation in Ohio was in 2021, and there is a very specific, non-tennis-related reason that explains his continuous absences: his son's birthday.

When asked by Ben Rothenberg why he systematically avoids Cincinnati, Bublik made his priorities clear. "For the past four years, yes. It is my son's birthday, and I don't think the Cincinnati Masters is worth missing out on such important moments," explained the Kazakh.

Bublik prioritizes his family over the Masters 1000

The reflection aligns perfectly with the particular way in which Bublik has always viewed his profession. Although competing at the highest level is a fundamental part of his life, the Kazakh is unwilling to sacrifice certain family events to add another tournament to his schedule.

https://t.co/sBHPO72S37 pic.twitter.com/fX15cS2mXy

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 29, 2026

His 2026 schedule is even more striking because he will also not participate in the 2026 Canada Masters 1000, as was the case last season. This means he is giving up on the two major events that traditionally serve to prepare for the final Grand Slam of the year.

Bublik will thus arrive at the 2026 US Open without having played matches beforehand during this North American tour, taking the risk of landing in New York without specific competitive rhythm on these courts.

His decision holds significant importance considering the current sporting moment he is going through. The Kazakh has shown that he can compete with the best when he finds inspiration and continuity, so Canada and Cincinnati could have been good opportunities to gain points and confidence.

However, Bublik is very clear about his priorities. The tennis calendar offers opportunities constantly; certain family moments do not. Cincinnati will have to continue waiting to see him again while his celebration coincides with a date that the Kazakh considers much more important than any Masters 1000.