Andrei Rublev won a 13th win of the season, matching their number of leader Novak Djokovic. And reached the quarterfinals of the tournament in Rotterdam, winning which will ensure him a place in the top ten.
THE DEPARTURE OF MEDVEDEV
But in fact, we expected more. Was a little disappointed when I saw the grid. And the fact that all three Russians got in one half – Andrei Rublev in the quarterfinal on Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals at Karen Hechanova… I would Like to see here Russian final! Moreover, the results of the Australian Open (and the beginning of the year, in principle) can be judged that the entire Trinity is in good shape.
But the results of the medium spoiled the mood. First, lost to Khachanov in the second round lost to Dan Evans. And later stumbled and Medvedev – in the fight against basecom by Pospisil.
However, the sensation it became. The canadian is in great shape, last week played the final in Montpellier (lost to gaël Monviso), but will be back in the top 100… plus it’s just awkward opponent for Daniel. Suffice it to recall their first round match at the Masters in Shanghai in October, when Medvedev was in great shape and eventually took the title, but it Pospishil was a great “squeak” – played five setblob, and only won with a score of 7:6 (9:7), 7:5. Fears that this time it could go the other way, have been in the first batch – when Vasek went with triple break point in the ninth game, and after he took the feed Medvedev. In the second set the canadian was already fully developed the success, knocking out the fifth racket of the world – 6:4, 6:3. It’s a shame? Yes. Sensation? Possible. Tragedy? Definitely not.
In any case, it was clear that Daniel could add. And he certainly will draw conclusions from the defeat.
A BAKER’S DOZEN RUBLEV
But how good Rublyov! That’s who picked us up. However, already on Thursday. Their match against the Bagel (and Alexander, too, is not the rise, eager for the elite and is getting better and better. Unfortunately for Kazakhstan) Andrey spent confidently and smoothly. Adding in the moments when it matters most. At the end of the first party settles only one break – 7:5 in favor of the Russians. The second Bagel had almost no fights – 6:3. A little more than an hour, Rublev achieves the objectives set – out in the quarter-finals. And this is his 13th victory of the season. The same is now in the asset of Djokovic who won the ATP Cup and Australian Open (both tournaments in which he participated). Is no longer anybody.
Having started the season with two titles in a row (Doha and Adelaide), Andrew then came to Melbourne and went there in the fourth round, where did the weariness… Yes, Alexander Zverev and was considered the favorite and confirmed its status with a victory in three games with the same score (6:4). But there is a feeling that a little more fresh Rublev (and not playing the 12th meeting in three weeks) could turn in their favor. In any case, rising to 15th place, Andrew all made clear – he breaks into the top 10! And here – a victory in Rotterdam, if you can get a third title of the season (and fifth in his career), will provide the Russian debut in the top ten. However, for this we need to win three more meetings. One of them may have Pospisil. Thus, purely nominal, the ruble is now one of the top favorites. Since there are one of two seeded players (second to Gael Monfils). Dropped out because Rotterdam is not only Medvedev. But Stefanos Zizipus, and David Goffin, and Fabio Fonini, and Denis Shapovalov Roberto Batista-Agut….
TOURNAMENT ATP
ROTTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)
Category ATP 500. Closed courts. Coverage of hard. Prize Fund – 2 013 855 euros.
Singles
The first round
Pospisil (Canada) – Medvedev (Russia, 1) – 6:4, 6:3.
The second round
Rublev (Russia, 7) – Bagel (Kazakhstan) – 7:5, 6:3. Evans (UK) – Khachanov (Russia) – 4:6, 6:3, 6:4.
TOURNAMENT WTA
SAINT PETERSBURG (RUSSIA)
Category “Prime.” Closed courts. Coverage of hard. The prize Fund – $782 900.
A single discharge. The second round
Alexandrov (Russia) – Vekic (Croatia, 7) – 6:1, 7:5. Bertens (Holland, 2) – Kudermetova (Russia) – 6:1, 6:2.
