Bublik brushes aside Fils in Antwerp to claim third ATP title in a return to form

The 36th-ranked Bublik, who came into the event having lost in the opening round of all five tournaments he contested since his run to the Wimbledon fourth round, won through in one hour and 16 minutes against his 38th-ranked French opponent.

Fils had been chasing his second title of the season after winning at home in Lyon in May, having ousted Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-final in the Belgian tournament.

But Fils (19) came up against Bublik's solid serve and paid for a string of unforced errors.

The Kazakh, (26) wrapped up the first set in 34 minutes after breaking his rival's serve at 2-2.

He broke early in the second and staved off two break points at 3-2 to seal his third title after Halle this year and Montpellier in 2022.