Can Alexander Bublik's Comeback Stun Alex De Minaur and Rocha Upset Mensik?

Paris, May 29 (NationPress) Alexander Bublik achieved one of the most astounding comebacks of Roland-Garros 2025 to date, overcoming a two-set deficit to triumph over No. 9 seed Alex De Minaur with a score of 2-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2, thus securing his spot in the third round on Thursday.

In the early stages, it appeared that De Minaur was firmly in command. The Australian displayed remarkable sharpness and vigor under the bright Parisian sky, swiftly sailing through the first two sets with his characteristic speed and discipline. Bublik, famous for his unconventional approach, seemed disheartened and passive, offering minimal resistance as the world No. 9 dictated the pace from the baseline.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third set. With nothing to lose, Bublik began to relax. His bold shot selection began to yield results—drop shots, powerful serves, and angled winners started hitting their targets. The Kazakh disrupted De Minaur's rhythm with a blend of style and audacity, clinching the third set 6-4, signaling a pivotal moment.

From that point onward, it was all Bublik. He dominated the fourth set, showcasing confident net play and relentless pressure on return, leveling the match at two sets each. De Minaur, who had seemed so focused earlier, began to falter against Bublik’s unpredictable pace and was unable to counter his opponent’s resurgence.

In the decisive fifth set, Bublik completed his stunning turnaround with flair. He broke serve twice to pull ahead, extinguishing any hopes of a De Minaur recovery. The match concluded after three hours and 14 minutes, with Bublik sealing the victory on his first match point.

This marks a disappointing exit for De Minaur, who had a strong clay-court season and was aiming to at least match his quarter-final appearance from the previous year. Despite having earlier dispatched Laslo Djere in straight sets and starting the second-round match with authority, he couldn’t respond once Bublik ignited his game.

Bublik, currently ranked No. 62, will next face Portuguese qualifier Henrique Rocha in the third round.

Rocha also sent a notable name packing from Roland Garros on Day 5, overcoming Miami ATP Masters champion Jakub Mensik in a gripping five-set battle. The young Portuguese player, a qualifier ranked 200 in the world and making his Grand Slam main draw debut, also rallied from two sets down to clinch victory in five sets.

Rocha ultimately triumphed 2-6, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in a match lasting over three hours on Court 7.