Bublik, Griekspoor participate in kids day at Astana Open

Kazakhstan owns a Grand Slam singles winner in Elena Rybakina. Could another one be in the making after a clinic for kids was held at the Astana Open?

Children from different regions of Kazakhstan took part in the event Wednesday and benefited from tips from the country’s top-ranked men’s player, Alexander Bublik, as well as this week’s top seed Tallon Griekspoor, fourth seed Jiri Lehecka, former Astana finalist Adrian Mannarino and Alexei Popyrin.

«This kind of event provides an excellent opportunity for children to communicate with us, play, and understand that we are just like them, and have also gone all this way to become professional athletes,» said Bublik.

«When I come home, I always try to spend time with the kids and take part in such events. I’m happy to share my experience.»

Griekspoor surely was right when he said such days will long live in the memory of the kids who took part.

«When you see the sparkling eyes of children who love tennis, you remember yourself at that age,» the Dutchman said. «I was like that myself.

«Thanks to the organizers for such an event.»

With a top-four seeding, Griekspoor, Lehecka and Bublik all received first round byes.

Mannarino starts against fellow Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech while Popyrin — a title winner this season and inside the top 50 in the rankings — debuts against fifth-seed Sebastian Korda.