Towards each other. Rublev and Khachanov with the victory started the tournament in Rotterdam

Russians Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov embroidered in the second round of a major ATP tournament in the Netherlands. Rublev defeated Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili, Khachanov – Fabio Fonini.

REVENGE OF NIKOLOZ…

– I really appreciate all what happened to me after the injury. For some time I was not playing and was very worried about this. When returned to the court in Halle, gave the dramatic tie-break in the first round of qualification, having six match points and lost to mats Moringa (223-th racket of the world at that time – Approx. ed.). I have missed many opportunities because it was really poor. But despite this, I enjoyed the fact that once again could join in the fight. Then at Wimbledon I have already passed one round and continued to improve step by step. I said to myself: “Do everything in your power and enjoy the moment.” And it brought me success – confessed Rublev before the tournament in Rotterdam.

A year ago, he was the 99th player in the world and has not passed in the Netherlands the qualification, losing to German Peter Gojowczyk. In April – received a hand injury and was out for two months. But in the summer defeated Roger Federer in the third round of the “masters” in Cincinnati, in the fall – has won “the Kremlin Cup” and brought the Russian team in the Davis Cup semi-final, and the season-2020 began with two titles in a row (becoming the first tennis after Dominik Hrbaty in 2004, which managed to make it to the Australian Open) and a series of 11 victories. Now in Rotterdam Rublev came the 15-meter room rating and favourite status. If not the main, one of the main exactly.

He really stepped it up. Not only in terms of tennis, but also in psychology. Has become more Mature, calmer, more stable. And confirmed it a victory in the first round over Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Who in June lost the final in Hamburg in a tense three games. And who is now “destroyed” 55 minutes 6:2, 6:3. Not because Georgians played poorly (although he is not in the best shape out of the top 20 and dropping to 28th in the rankings). But because Rublev himself now – is an energy vortex on the court, sweeping away everything in its path. Constant attacks, attacks on the rising ball, the accelerating pace of hoaxes and extremely high speed movements.

– One especially is worth a look in the new season? To Rublev! – back in the fall said Federer. We see Roger was not mistaken.

AND REVENGE PANINI

The task of advancing to the second round he decided a little less than an hour. And now let’s meet another young Russian, his peer, Alexander Bagel. Which is also on the rise, but not as pronounced: the native of Gatchina, the 56th in the world. Sorry, what is it already the year before.

A little more time on the court spent Karen Khachanov.

Unlike Andrew, he’s not a great start this season, though helped Russia reach the semi-finals of the ATP Cup. The Australian Open ended for him in the third round (Rublev was eliminated in fourth, losing to Zverev). But how dramatic, there was a match! Five sets, four tie-break, saving from the account 0:2 on parties and the 4.5 hour battle with Nick Kirasa… of Course, survive the defeat was not easy. But we at least understand – after vague season-2019 Karen seems to be back to your level. The level, which helped him win the masters in Paris and visit the top 10 ranking.

The draw grid in Rotterdam as the first opponent gave him Fonini. Twice! First doubles Karen and Rublev lost to Fabio and Dutchman Robin Haase. Now, on Tuesday, Khachanov and husband of Flavia Pennetta clashed in singles. Meeting 11th (Italian) and 17th (Russian) rackets on the planet in the opening round speaks volumes about the level of the tournament! Of course, an easy walk to dream was not necessary. But Karen again confirmed that is in good shape. That two weeks of preparation after Melbourne were not in vain. The result of the match with Karlosom already forgotten, but not forgotten all the good that could from it to make Khachanov. Panini lasted longer than Basilashvili in the meeting with the Russian Ruble. But only for one game. The result – 6:3, 6:3. Karen took a step to meet Andrew, which may overlap in the semifinals.

Unless, of course, there be allowed Medvedev. Daniel, your first match will play on Wednesday and may reach the Rublev early in the quarterfinals.

ATP TOURNAMENT

ROTTERDAM (NETHERLANDS)

Category ATP 500. Closed courts. Coverage of hard. Prize Fund – 2 013 855 euros.

A single discharge. The first round

Rublev (Russia, 7) – Basilashvili (Georgia) – 6:2, 6:3. Khachanov (Russia) – Fonini (Italy, 5) – 6:3, 6:3.