With Alexander Bublik claiming his first-ever clay-court title and top seeds Cabral and Miedler edging a thrilling doubles final, this year’s tournament closed on a high. Local favourites Jérôme Kym, Dominic Stricker and Jakub Paul delivered standout performances that lit up the home courts and stirred the crowds. And with close to 40,000 spectators over the week – a record-setting figure despite some big-name withdrawals – the EFG Swiss Open Gstaad once again proved its reputation as one of the most atmospheric stops on the tennis calendar.

Alexander Bublik celebrates maiden clay-court title
A dream final at the EFG Swiss Open Gstaad: full stands, perfect weather, a vibrant atmosphere – and a high-quality match with a deserving champion, Alexander Bublik.

The premiere happened in the Saanenland: on the fast court of the Roy Emerson Arena, Bublik captured his first-ever ATP title on clay. And for the EFG Swiss Open, he becomes the first winner from Kazakhstan.

To the delight of the packed stadium, eager to witness as much thrilling tennis as possible, Bublik had to fight for over two hours to overcome Juan Manuel Cerúndolo (ATP 109) 6–4, 4–6, 6–3. The 23-year-old Argentinian, who had earlier ousted top seed Casper Ruud, was a worthy finalist, and the only player all week to take a set off the second seed.

Quarterfinal shocks and Swiss grit
The drama began on quarterfinal Friday. Switzerland’s Jérôme Kym came heartbreakingly close to the semis, pushing Arthur Cazaux to three sets in a gripping centre-court battle. Meanwhile, top seed Casper Ruud was ousted by Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, who came from a break down in the third to win 6–2, 1–6, 6–3. On the other side of the draw, Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik continued his flawless run, beating Francisco Comesana in straight sets.

Home-Court highlights: Stricker & Paul dazzle
While no Swiss players reached the singles final, local hopes were kept alive in the doubles. Dominic Stricker and Jakub Paul lit up Court 1 in a fiery semifinal against top seeds Cabral/Miedler. The Swiss duo came close to forcing a third set, losing 1–6, 6–7 – but not before winning the crowd’s hearts with aggressive net play, daring shot-making, and unmistakable chemistry. Their earlier quarterfinal victory was a standout moment of the tournament.

Finals showdown: contrasts collide
Saturday’s semifinals set the stage for a final between two stylistic opposites: Cerúndolo, a quick-footed baseline grinder, and Bublik, a charismatic power server with a love-hate relationship with clay. Both delivered convincing wins in the semis – Cerúndolo over Buse, and Bublik over Cazaux – before the stage was set for Sunday’s finale.

A first for Bublik – and for Gstaad
In front of a sold-out Roy Emerson Arena, Alexander Bublik fought hard to claim his first career title on clay, defeating Cerúndolo 6–4, 4–6, 6–3. The Argentinian, who had stunned Ruud days earlier, was the only player to take a set off Bublik all week. “I’ve won five titles before,” said Bublik at the trophy ceremony, “but none as intense and difficult as this one.” He celebrated with his family courtside – wife and young son in tow – and even had praise for Gstaad’s scenery: “Even if I had lost in the first round, the views alone would have made the trip worthwhile.”

Rising stars and record crowds
Bublik now returns to the ATP Top 30, while Cerúndolo breaks into the Top 100 for the first time at No. 81.
More good news came in the doubles final: top seeds Francisco Cabral (POR) and Lucas Miedler (AUT) lived up to their top-seed status and defeated Germany’s Hendrik Jebens and France’s Albano Olivetti in a tightly contested match, 6–7, 7–6, 10–3.

Perhaps most encouraging of all, the 2025 tournament drew nearly 40,000 visitors, with the final three days completely sold out, a remarkable feat despite the last-minute withdrawal of several top stars. “Since 2019, we’ve tripled our audience,” said tournament president Jeff Collet, proof that the Swiss Alps remain one of tennis’s most scenic and spirited stages.

by Jeanette Wichmann
 

Player quotes:

“None of my five previous titles were as intense and difficult as this one.”
— Alexander Bublik, after winning his first-ever clay-court title in Gstaad

“It hurts to lose a final, but I’m proud of my week. This tournament gave me confidence.”
— Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, after reaching his second career ATP final and breaking into the Top 100

“We felt the energy from the first point. Playing a semi in front of a Swiss crowd? Unforgettable.”
— Dominic Stricker, on the atmosphere during their doubles run

“We gave it everything. A few points decide these matches – but what a ride it was.”
— Jakub Paul, after their narrow semifinal loss to the top seeds

“The atmosphere gave me goosebumps. I left everything on court, and I’ll never forget this match.”
— Jérôme Kym, after his dramatic quarterfinal loss to Arthur Cazaux

Although the exact end date is not yet known, we can reasonably infer that the event will run from Monday, 13 July, through Sunday, 19 July 2026.