Bublik beats Medvedev to win Halle Open again

HALLE (WESTFALEN), Germany (AP) — Alexander Bublik finally defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (4) on Sunday to win the Halle Open for the second time.

It was his first win in seven matches with Medvedev.

“Daniil, I’ve been cursed to play you forever and never won a set in my life, but today I’m happy to get through, and I wish you – you’re a great champion – I wish you a lot of success," Bublik told his opponent afterward. "I mean, to win, to beat you here, it’s a privilege for me.”

The Kazakhstan player, who also won the grass-court tournament in 2023, is just the third player to claim the title more than once after three-time winner Yevgeny Kafelnikov and 10-time champion Roger Federer.

Bublik made a strong start and put together a 12-point winning streak in the first set. The second was not quite as fluid with five double-faults, but Medvedev produced consecutive backhand errors in the tiebreaker and Bublik seized his chance to wrap up the match in 81 minutes.

Bublik, who defeated top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the second round, dedicated the title to his wife and son, who were absent because of illness.

“This is for you, I know you’re watching,” he said.

Medvedev, who saw off home favorite Alexander Zverev in the semifinals, was playing his first final since losing to Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells in March 2024.

“A better week, maybe, than we expected but not the best feeling in the end,” Medvedev said. “We try to do better next time.”

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik holds the trophy after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in their men's single final of the Halle tennis tournament, Germany, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)

Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik reacts after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in their men's single final of the Halle tennis tournament, Germany, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)

Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik reacts after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in their men's single final of the Halle tennis tournament, Germany, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)

Russia's Daniil Medvedev returns the ball to Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik during their men's single final of the Halle tennis tournament, Germany, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)

Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik, bottom left, returns the ball to Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their men's single final of the Halle tennis tournament, Germany, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)

Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik serves the ball to Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their men's single final of the Halle tennis tournament, Germany, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)

Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik serves a ball to Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their men's single final of the Halle tennis tournament, Germany, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)

Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik returns the ball to Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their men's single final of the Halle tennis tournament, Germany, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)