Can Kovacevic Defeat Rublev Again to Reach Los Cabos Final?
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Synopsis
Aleksandar Kovacevic once again proved his mettle by defeating Andrey Rublev to reach the finals of the Mifel Tennis Open in Los Cabos. His remarkable comeback showcases his growing prowess on the ATP circuit, setting the stage for an exciting final against Denis Shapovalov. Can Kovacevic claim his first ATP title?
Key Takeaways
- Kovacevic secures a thrilling win over Rublev.
- Marks his second victory in 2023 against the World No. 10.
- Kovacevic rises to No. 66 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
- Faces Denis Shapovalov in the finals for the first time.
- Shapovalov has not dropped a set in the tournament.
Los Cabos (Mexico), July 19 (NationPress) - In a remarkable display of talent, Aleksandar Kovacevic triumphed once more over World No. 10 Andrey Rublev on Friday night, propelling himself into the final of the Mifel Tennis Open in Los Cabos. The 26-year-old American started slowly but rallied to claim a hard-fought victory with scores of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 after a grueling two hours and 29 minutes on the hard courts of Mexico.
This victory marks Kovacevic's second win against Rublev this year, mirroring his breakthrough triumph in Montpellier back in February, where he secured his first ATP Tour final appearance. With a perfect 2-0 record in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, Kovacevic has now become the fourth American player to reach the final in the history of Los Cabos. This win elevates him 10 places to No. 66 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, with the prospect of climbing to No. 56 if he captures his first ATP title.
Rublev was seeking to achieve his 250th career victory on hard courts. After a tense hold for 4-3 in the third set, it appeared that momentum was shifting in his direction. However, Kovacevic mounted a late comeback, winning the final three games to seal his victory, as reported by ATP.
“I can’t deny that once you defeat a player once, you believe you can do it again,” Kovacevic expressed. “I didn’t start off feeling great, but I found my energy in the second and third sets. I had a bit of luck on my side, but I’m proud of my competitive spirit.”
“Every match presents a new challenge. I considered my strategy against him, but it’s crucial not to dwell too much on the past, whether it was good or bad.”
In the final, Kovacevic will face off against third-seeded Denis Shapovalov, marking their first Lexus ATP Head2Head matchup. The Canadian star has impressed throughout the tournament, reaching the championship match without dropping a single set. He overwhelmed Adam Walton with a score of 6-2, 6-2 in just 66 minutes, successfully saving all four break points he encountered while converting all of his own.
Shapovalov, who made his return from a lengthy injury hiatus in late 2024, has regained his top form. After clinching victory in Belgrade as a qualifier, he went on to win the Dallas ATP 500 title by overcoming three Top 10 players. Currently ranked No. 29 in the Live Rankings, Shapovalov aims to secure his fourth career ATP trophy in what promises to be an exhilarating final.
Point of View
I observe the remarkable evolution of Aleksandar Kovacevic. His back-to-back victories over elite players like Andrey Rublev highlight his tenacity and skill. As he prepares for the finals against Denis Shapovalov, the anticipation builds. Kovacevic represents a new generation of American tennis talent, and his journey is one to watch closely as it unfolds.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aleksandar Kovacevic's recent achievement?
Aleksandar Kovacevic recently defeated World No. 10 Andrey Rublev to advance to the finals of the Mifel Tennis Open in Los Cabos.
What were the match scores against Rublev?
Kovacevic secured a hard-fought victory with match scores of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Who will Kovacevic face in the finals?
Kovacevic will face Denis Shapovalov in the finals, marking their first-ever encounter.
What is the significance of this win for Kovacevic?
This victory not only boosts Kovacevic's ranking but also marks his second win over Rublev this year.
How has Shapovalov performed in the tournament?
Denis Shapovalov has reached the finals without dropping a set, showcasing his impressive form.
