Qatar Open: Rublev Triumphs Dramatically Over De Minaur in Doha
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Synopsis
Andrey Rublev achieved a hard-fought victory at the Qatar Open, defeating Alex de Minaur in a thrilling match that saw him convert his eighth match point. This win marks Rublev's first triumph over a Top 10 player since August 2022 as he moves on to the semifinals.
Key Takeaways
- Rublev converted his eighth match point.
- He faced seven match points before winning.
- Rublev's victory marks his first over a Top 10 player since August 2022.
- He will face Felix Auger-Aliassime next.
- De Minaur showed resilience despite the loss.
Doha, Feb 20 (NationPress) Andrey Rublev showcased remarkable resilience on his way to the semifinals of the Qatar Open, clinching victory on his eighth match point against second seed Alex de Minaur in a thrilling encounter at this ATP 500 event on Thursday. The fifth seed Rublev overturned a second-set loss to secure a dramatic 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(8) win, despite letting slip seven match points before finally succeeding.
Rublev, the champion of Doha in 2020, nearly faltered after leading 5-2 in the final set. However, De Minaur displayed his usual tenacity, pushing the match to a tie-break. The 27-year-old Rublev regrouped brilliantly, saving a match point of his own to achieve his first victory over a Top 10 player since last August.
After equalizing his ATP head-to-head record with De Minaur at 4-4, Rublev reached his fourth semifinal in Doha. The No. 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings will face Felix Auger-Aliassime, who progressed after Daniil Medvedev withdrew from their quarter-final due to food poisoning.
“When I had my first match point, I played exceptionally well,” Rublev remarked following his two-hour, 37-minute battle. “I executed everything perfectly, but he countered with an incredible rally. In most matches, points like that often determine the outcome.”
“I started feeling more tense and emotional after missing opportunities. When I dropped my serve, I thought, ‘If I’m going to lose, I’ll at least give it my all until the end,’” he continued.
De Minaur struggled with his serve in the opening set, where Rublev dominated from the baseline, taking advantage of the 46 percent (12/26) of first serves the Australian managed, as per Infosys ATP Stats, with an aggressive return strategy. Nevertheless, De Minaur seemed to regain his rhythm, rallying from 2-5 to force a deciding-set tie-break.
Rublev appeared to lose his grip after missing seven match points, including two on his own serve at 5-3 in the last set and 8/7 in the tie-break. Yet, the former champion maintained his composure and persisted in applying pressure from the baseline, which proved crucial for his triumph.
In another quarterfinal match at the Centre Court, Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced as fourth seed Daniil Medvedev withdrew with an injury, having won the first set 6-3 before his opponent’s retirement.
