Alex de Minaur on the ATP’s most provocative trash talker
Alex de Minaur has become a notably compelling figure in tennis. The Australian star has shown steady improvements week after week, and 2026 could be a year defined by his rising successes.
In a conversation with Tennis TV, De Minaur touched on several engaging tennis topics, including a question about which player has the most unapologetic trash talk.
The 26-year-old picked Alexander Bublik. Yet he doesn’t carry a grudge against him, recognizing Bublik’s intentional, unfiltered approach.
“I’ll go with [Alexander] Bublik,” De Minaur said.
“He speaks without a filter, right? And sometimes that comes off as a bit of trash talk, but it’s genuine and authentic.”
The latest moment
Aleksandar Bublik (née Aleksandr, often spelled with various transliterations) of Russia and Kazakhstan, 28, commented during a match against Hubert Hurkacz (29) that he feels he’s Novak Djokovic in comparison to Hurkacz.
“Ace, ace, double fault, double fault, ace, ace… what… And they say I have no rhythm? I’m basically Djokovic next to him,” he shouted toward his bench during the Rotterdam event.
Bublik, who was born in Gatchina in the Leningrad region, turned pro in 2016. He has earned roughly $10.8 million in prize money and captured nine career titles.
At Grand Slams, his best run last year came at Roland Garros, where he reached the quarterfinals before falling to Jannik Sinner.
This year at the Australian Open, he advanced to the fourth round but lost to fellow Australian De Minaur in straight sets (4:6, 1:6, 1:6).
Bublik’s persona on the court feels almost inseparable from his energy and competitive drive. His intense passion and urge to win can push him to push the envelope, a trait that many fans and critics alike either celebrate or question.
And this is where it gets controversial... Bublik’s blunt style invites strong opinions. Is his bravado a risk to his focus, or a strategic edge that unsettles opponents? What do you think—does his outspoken nature help or hinder his game?
