Kazakhstan’s top-ranked tennis player Alexander Bublik defeated Monaco’s Hugo Nys in two sets in one hour at the first match of the 2026 Davis Cup in Astana, 6-0, 6-3.
Securing a break in the first game, the leader of Kazakhstan’s national team immediately set the tone of the match. The dominance of the world No. 10 over the doubles No. 17 player, who currently lacks a singles ranking, was expected. Nys did put up resistance, but in crucial moments Bublik was flawless, 6-0.
The second set unfolded in the same manner; however, Monaco’s player managed to hold three serves. This match gave Kazakhstan’s national team one point.
In today’s second match, Alexander Shevchenko is playing against Valentin Vacherot.
Tomorrow, on Feb. 7, Bublik and Shevchenko will switch opponents. The opening match will be the doubles clash with Alexander Bublik/Beibit Zhukayev vs. Hugo Nys/Romain Arneodo announced.
However, the tournament’s rules allow the replacement of any player on the roster one hour before the match. So, it is likely that Bublik will not play in the doubles ahead of the Vacherot match.
Nevertheless, the match may not be decisive. There is even a possibility that this showdown may not take place if Kazakhstan takes a 3-0 lead beforehand.
