Kazakh star Alexander Bublik has said that ATP is trying to put players in cages by handing out stricter punishments for disciplinary violations.
As several players stepped over the line this year, the ATP said they are considering stricter sanctions.
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Alexander Zverev was disqualified from the Mexico Open after hitting the umpire’s chair several times but subsequently was only given a suspended ban.
Kyrgios has also been fined for outbursts in Indian Wells and the Miami Open, and Jenson Brooksby hit a ball boy with a racquet he flung in anger in Miami.
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While many current and former professionals have called for stronger punishments, including bans, world No.36 Bublik is not totally on board with the idea.
“Nick brings tonnes of fans, what are they here for?” Bublik told Tennis Channel.
A lot to unpack in this fun Alexander Bublik interview with @PrakashAmritraj 😂
– Doesn't believe he deserved to win today
– Thinks he was running like an elephant
– Not a fan of ATP cracking down on players
– Says he would be defaulted if cameras followed him off the court pic.twitter.com/cHLEUEKMk7— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) April 11, 2022
“This is sport, it’s supposed to be a bit of emotion and they try to put in some kind of a cage where we cannot talk.
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“For me I am not a fan of it, we should have more room. I think we need people who bring attendances. Of course you cannot do certain things and you need to be punished, but let us talk, don’t look at us every minute when we talk.”
‘Running like an elephant’
Bublik defeated Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of Monte Carlos Masters on Monday but wasn’t too impressed by his performance.
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“I wish him a speedy recovery because I did not deserve to win this match,” the 24-year-old said of the Swiss, who was returning to the tour after a 13-month absence due to injury.
“It’s clay court, I am running like an elephant, I cannot stop, I cannot explode, I cannot do anything. We all hope he will back on top of the game very soon.
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“On clay even with his recovery from injury he is the better player than me. In three months from now, three and three [6-3 6-3], thank you very much, I go peacefully to the beach.”
Bublik will take on Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta in the second round.
