The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells is part of the ‘Sunshine Double’ for a reason. Players often have to overcome challenging conditions to have a shot at winning the title here. This year too, many players have opened up on the difficult playing conditions.

Naomi Osaka found shot-making difficult in the gutsy winds of California. Furthermore, Nadal complained about the balls used in the tournament. Recently, Alexander Bublik vented out his frustration at the playing conditions after his match against Grigor Dimitrov.

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After knocking out Andy Murray in the second round, Bublik couldn’t continue his winning momentum as he lost to the Bulgarian in straight sets. Subsequently, after the match, he let Dimitrov know about his unhappiness at the playing conditions while the players shook hands.

Alexander Bublik opens up on the playing conditions during his match against Grigor Dimitrov

It was a lop-sided third-round encounter between Grigor Dimitrov and Alexander Bublik. The Bulgarian won the match 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and nine minutes in Stadium 2. While the players shook hands after the match, Bublik said, “Clay court… What the hell is that? Ridiculous, this is not hard court man cmon!”

Dimitrov began the match in a dominating fashion, as he broke Bublik’s serve in the second game of the opening set. Moreover, he was strong on his serve and didn’t allow his opponent to make a comeback in the set. Additionally, Dimitrov didn’t face a single breakpoint on his serve as he eventually won the first set 6-3.

It was a similar tale in the second set, with Dimitrov gaining an advantage early on. Bublik committed several unforced errors, as he failed to find any rhythm in the return games. Dimitrov went on to win the second set 6-4.

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It was a disappointing result for Bublik, particularly after his commanding win over Andy Murray in the previous round. In the pre-quarterfinals, Dimitrov will take on John Isner of the USA. Can Dimitrov dig deep in Indian Wells this year? Let us know your views in the comments below.