In order to advance to the semi-finals, Rublev must defeat either nine-time champion Novak Djokovic. Who is presently dealing with a hamstring ailment, or Australian hopeful Alex De Minaur.
Never-say-die fifth seed Andrey Rublev defeated Danish teenager Holger Rune in a dramatic five-set encounter on Monday. Securing his spot in the Australian Open quarterfinalsa. Rublev saved two match points.
In a match between two former junior world number ones, the Russian won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (11/9) in sweltering heat on Rod Laver Arena after breaking while Rune was serving for the match. For a spot in the semi-finals, he will compete against either nine-time winner Novak Djokovic, who is battling a hamstring ailment, or Australian hopeful Alex De Minaur.
The 25-year-old entered the quarterfinals of the Melbourne tournament for the second time and seventh time overall.
Rublev, who has won 13 ATP titles and is currently ranked sixth in the world, has never advanced further.
“It feels more like a rifle has been pointed at your head than a rollercoaster. A rollercoaster is less difficult “After the 3 hours, 37 minutes of epic, the worn-out Russian said.
“I trailed 5-2 in the fifth game, had two match points at 6-5, then fell behind 7-3 in the super tiebreak. I’m shaking and unable to speak.”
Rublev broke the Dane with a forehand winner
Both players were not at their best when serving, but Rublev broke the Dane with a forehand winner to take the opening set 4-2 with him.
However, Rune’s returns helped create opportunities, and when Rublev played into the net from the baseline, he broke right back.
The advantage was promptly reclaimed by his opponent after a Rune double-fault. And this time Rublev served flawlessly to finish the set in 37 minutes.
Unfazed, Rune hung in there during the second set’s tense 12-minute opening game and then flipped the script to break Rublev for a 3-1 advantage that he would never give up.
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