Andrey Rublev will compete in the ATP Finals semi-final for the first time. The Russian defeated Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets to secure a place in the last four alongside Novak Djokovic. Andrey played against Tsitsipas in the decisive third round-robin clash and delivered a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 triumph in an hour and 42 minutes.
The Russian denied two out of three break points and delivered three breaks of serve in sets two and three to emerge at the top and continue with the competition. Andrey fired more service winners, and they both hit more winners than unforced errors.
Rublev built a slight advantage in the shortest range up to four strokes, and it was enough to carry him through after a reliable performance in sets two and three. Stefanos made a perfect start before losing ground after the opener, struggling with his return and having more issues with his team members.
Andrey Rublev is through into the last four in Turin.
The Greek made a flying start, dropping two points behind the initial shot in the first set and keeping the pressure on the other side. The set saw eight commanding holds and one Rublev’s loose service game that cost him dearly.
Andrey opened a 40-0 lead in the fourth game and squandered no less than seven game points before Stefanos broke him with a forehand crosscourt winner for a 3-1 advantage. Producing one good hold after another, Tsitsipas wrapped up the first set with a service winner in game nine for 6-3 in 32 minutes.
They served well in the second set’s opening seven games to remain neck and neck. The Russian finally found his return in the eighth game and forced the rival’s mistake to secure a break and move 5-3 in front. Andrey saved a break point in game nine and clinched the set after Stefanos’ wayward forehand to introduce a decider after an hour and eight minutes.
With a boost on his side, Rublev dropped a couple of points behind the initial shot in the final set, and Tsitsipas had to serve well to follow that pace. Instead, he played a loose forehand in the third game to get broken and push the rival closer to the finish line.
Rublev moved 4-2 up with a hold at love in game six and extended the next one after Tsitsipas’ four game points that came and gone. Andrey earned a break chance and seized it after Stefanos’ costly double fault that sent him 5-2 in front.
The Russian served for the victory in game eight and emerged at the top with a service winner, celebrating his first ATP Finals semi-final.
