‘Bald and old’: World No. 33 slams tennis icons Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray

A little-known tennis player has come under heavy fire after he hammered the retirements of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

World No. 33 Alexander Bublik has lashed out at the “circus” retirements of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in a bizarre rant on the tennis greats.

Bublik, who was born in Russia but represents Kazakhstan on the ATP Tour, turned professional back in 2016 and has a 152-150 career record.

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The 27-year-old has also failed to make it past the fourth round of any of the tour’s four major tournaments in his career to date.

But in widely circulated comments that have been translated, Bublik opted to slam the departures of two of the sport’s modern greats.

Nadal, 38, retired last year after a crippling run with injuries and Bublik was asked if he would push through physical ailments in his career or would rather retire at his peak.

Alexander Bublik’s comments have not gone down well. (Photo by Pascal GUYOT / AFP)

“Yes I would like to retire at the peak,” Bublik told Russian media outlet Match TV.

“Now it goes without saying, I’m not Rafa, my legacy will be much smaller, if you can call it that.

“What happened with Andy Murray and Rafa is a circus. I can’t call it any other way.

“These two people achieved everything there is to achieve.

“Even we as fellow tennis players used to look at them with our mouths open in the locker room — and then you see them bald and old.

“You understand they are past their prime and will never be as good again.

“In my view, it’s not even a circus but a disgrace. That’s probably a better word.

“Although the way Rafa retired was OK.”

Spanish legend Nadal retired with 22 grand slam singles titles to his name, including 14 French Opens, but battled a series of injuries over the latter stages of his career.

Rafael Nadal waves during a tribute to his career at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)

Murray was famously “retired” via a video tribute back at the 2019 Australian Open before continuing his career for a further six years.

World No. 1 for 41 weeks during his career, the Scot won Wimbledon twice and the 2012 US Open, along with losing five Australian Open finals.

A two-time Olympic gold medallist, Murray battled persistent hip injuries before also retiring last year.

Bublik, who has won four career titles and reached a career-high 17th in the rankings in May last year, was asked how he felt about 37-year-old Murray’s farewell to the sport.

“Sadly no,” he said. “Now he (Murray) has joined Novak Djokovic’s team (as his head coach).

“These are attempts to cling onto something that no longer exists, to some echoes of the past.

“I hope this will not be my case, but I can’t say for sure.

“Maybe at 36, I’ll be playing Challengers in Bangkok, but I still hope that I’ll be at peace with myself.”

Andy Murray’s press conference after a doubles defeat at Wimbledon last year. (Photo by Joe TOTH/AFP)

There has been a strong reaction to Bublik’s comments, with many taking to X to slam his stance on the all-time greats.

One wrote: “It’s mean of me to say but after Bublik’s bitter remarks on Nadal and Andy Murray, I hope he has a crap season!!! They are legends of the sport who earned the right to bow out on THEIR terms. He’s unlikely to achieve even a quarter of what they did in their careers so jog on.”

Another tweeted: “What’s wrong with them staying on the tour as they’ve gotten old? They still want to work hard, train, travel and play. I just don’t see how this is a disgrace. So extremely confused by this.”

Another offered: “Not sure anyone will bother about Bublik when he retires, past champions with the history of Murray, (Federer), Novak and Rafa can/could decide for themselves when the time is/was appropriate to retire, they’ve earned or will have earned that right.”

Murray (left) is now coaching Novak Djokovic. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

A couple took their thoughts a little further on the Kazakh right-hander.

“Good morning, Bublik is an idiot,” was one comment.

“He’s a d**khead and always has been,” declared another.

There was some support for Bublik, however, with some suggesting the tennis greats did stay on tour for too long.

“He’s right, both of them should’ve retired a year and a half ago. All that dragging for an underwhelming retirement anyways,” came one comment.

Another said: “He is right but the tone was harsh.”

It all might add up to a spicier crowd for Bublik when he takes to the court at this month’s Australian Open.

Originally published as ‘Bald and old’: World No. 33 slams tennis icons Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray