Andrey Rublev delivered an immaculate last set to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas and safe a spot in his first ATP Finals semifinal.
With a semifinal spot on the road, Rublev served 74 % and received 16 of 19 service factors within the decider defeating Tsitsipas 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in Turin immediately.
The victory vaults Rublev into tomorrow’s semifinals towards US Open finalist Casper Ruud.
The second-seeded Tsitsipas imploded late within the match dropping two of his final three service video games and seemingly belting a ball towards his dad and mom within the help field at one level.
Still, Tsitsipas turned the primary query of his post-match presser into software time suggesting Rublev is a participant with restricted weapons and implying the higher participant misplaced.
“It’s a shame. I feel like the better player,” Tsitsipas stated. “I felt like I could do more with the ball today. I felt like I could just be much more creative. I don’t even have to say that. I think it’s quite obvious.
“But, yeah, he prevailed with the few instruments that he has. He was in a position to actually benefit from them and win immediately.”
While it’s not quite on the level of John McEnroe’s bold dismissal of Ivan Lendl’s ability—”I’ve extra expertise in my little finger than he has in his whole physique,” Mac once said of Lendl—it is a clear shot from a frustrated Tsitsipas.
Asked his reaction to Tsitsipas’ parting shot, Rublev offered a measured response.
The seventh-ranked Rublev said while the Greek is “clearly [the] higher participant as a result of he is larger ranked” if you assess their games shot-by-shot—and head-to-head record—their weapons are more equal than Tsitsipas suggests.
“I do not know if I’ve few instruments or not. If we go shot by shot, I feel his backhand is best than mine. His forehand just isn’t higher than mine,” Rublev replied. “The pace [first] serve just isn’t higher than mine. He’s quicker. He play significantly better than it. If we go for finest shot, I do not suppose…
“Obviously he’s better player because he’s higher ranked and he achieved better results. It’s obvious. There is no doubt. But I don’t think that I beat him because of few tools. If you take our match, every match, we have tough battles. This year I lost to him twice in three sets, and now I beat him in three sets.”
The former junior world No. 1 pair have recognized one another since they have been youngsters.
While it is true Tsitsipas has proven extra all-court acumen and sharper internet abilities than the Russian, Rublev is a powerhouse baseline blaster, who can take the ball early and do harm off each wings.
Tsitsipas efficiently used the serve-and-volley in his victory over Daniil Medvedev, however stated given Rublev stands nearer to the baseline and hits it tougher than the 2021 US Open champion he did not deploy the tactic steadily immediately.
The third-ranked Greek is out of Turin, however his season will not be completed but. Tsitsipas stated he plans to play a Challenger in France subsequent week and has a transparent pre-season aim: Improve his return sport.
“My goal for the pre-season is going to be perhaps a bit more consistent with my returns because I think if I’m able to improve on that aspect of my game, I can do more damage,” Tsitsipas stated.
Photo credit score: Giampiero Sposito/Getty