Bublik Survives Khachanov Thriller in Double Tie-Break to Reach Almaty Semifinal

Alexander Bublik sent his home crowd into raptures on Friday, battling past defending champion Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(5) to reach the semifinals of the Almaty Open.

The third seed looked in deep trouble after dropping the opening set, but the Kazakh dug in when it mattered most. Both the second and third sets went to tie-breaks, and Bublik held his nerve in each, converting his chances against a Khachanov who had survived five match points against Tomas Machac only the day before. It was a fitting end to the Russian's title defense — and a famous win for the tournament's home hope.

Bublik's reward is a Saturday semifinal against top seed Daniil Medvedev, who is chasing the first successful title defense of his career. Medvedev was untouchable on serve in his 6-4, 6-4 quarterfinal win over Terence Atmane, never facing a break point and closing out the final two service games without dropping a point.

The other semifinal is an all-unseeded affair with a fairytale feel. Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili, ranked 128th and the first player from his country to win a match at the event, thrashed Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 6-1 to extend a remarkable run that has already taken him from qualifying to the last four. He will face seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, who ended James Duckworth's run 6-3, 6-4.