Rublev Wins 23rd Straight At 500 Level In Dubai, Karatsev Sacks Sinner
- No Comments
Andrey Rublev continued his torrid run in ATP 500 events winning his 23rd straight at that level after today’s 7-5, 6-2 win over good friend Marton Fucsovics.
“I have really great connection with Marton and we are good friends on Tour. I have a huge respect for him. All the matches that we’ve played each other were drama matches,” Rublev said. “We just smiled because we always have tough matches against each other. It’s not easy to play each other.
“It’s always long rallies, it’s always tough points and in the end we just smiled.”
Rublev, who has won his last four ATP 500 events, will now meet countryman and doubles partner Aslan Karatsev. The Australian Open sensation scored a solid win knocking out Jannik Sinner 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2.
“It was tough at the beginning as he is a really talented guy,” Karatsev said. “In the tie-break I was a little unlucky. I felt more comfortable in the second set and knew how to play against him.”
Rublev said he’s looking forward to facing Karatsev. The two teamed up just last week to win the Doha doubles.
“I just need to play my game, nothing more special. I don’t know why, but I’m really excited to play this match because Aslan is playing really well now. He’s full of confidence and I want to see how he’s playing. I want to challenge myself, because he’s winning really great matches.”
In the other semifinal, qualifier Lloyd Harris backed up his stunning win over Dominic Thiem by topping another US Open finalist in Kei Nishikori 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
“I have a few matches under my belt now,” said the 81st-ranked Harris. “It’s starting to feel like my home court. I am really enjoying it out here and played really well on the break points.”
Harris will meet Canadian Denis Shapovalov after the lefty defeated Jeremy Chardy in straights.
You Might Like:
Djokovic Makes Long-Awaited 2022 Debut In Dubai
Thiem, Rublev Lead Depleted Dubai Field
Karatsev Claims First Title In Dubai, Beats Harris
Medvedev, Sinner Out Of Rotterdam; Tsitsipas, Murray Headline
Sinner Sacks Schwartzman For Antwerp Title