Alexander Bublik described Daniil Medvedev as "the last Russian standing" as he aims to end his winless record against the former world number one in the Halle Open final. 

Bublik, who stunned Jannik Sinner in the second round in Germany, booked his place in Sunday's showpiece match with a 4-6 7-5 (7-5) 6-4 win over Karen Khachanov. 

The world number 45 impressed to reach his first final since February 2024, firing 18 aces in the match while also winning 83% (54/65) of his first-serve points on Saturday. 

Bublik has won four titles across his career, including the 2023 edition in Halle, but faces a stern test against Medvedev, who beat Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final.

Medvedev has emerged victorious in all six of their meetings, with their last encounter coming at the Madrid Open last year, where the third seed won in straight sets. 

Bublik is a finalist in Halle once more #ATPHalle pic.twitter.com/GuRLl077JM

— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 21, 2025

Bublik understood the magnitude of the task ahead of him, but believes he is due a win against Medvedev, who reached his first final since March 2024. 

"He's basically the last Russian standing that I haven’t beaten in my life," Bublik said after his semi-final win. "I've beaten all of them. Daniil was my curse throughout my career. 

"But as a wise man once told me, every time you lose to someone, mathematically you'll come closer to a win. Let's hope tomorrow will be the lucky one."