Rejuvenated Alexander Zverev ends Andrey Rublev’s run to book maiden Australian Open quarter-final ticket

Australian Open
Alexander Zverev celebrates

Alexander Zverev became the first player to beat Andrey Rublev in 2020 as he dispatched the Russian in three sets at the Australian Open.

While Rublev came into the season-opening Grand Slam of the year on the back of winning the Qatar Open and Adelaide International, Zverev started the year with three losses at the ATP Cup.

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But it was Zverev who dominated the fourth-round encounter, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 37 minutes to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park for the first time in his career.

A break in each of the three sets was enough to send the seventh seed, who is yet to drop a set in this year’s tournament, into the next round.

“It feels amazing,” he said. “I played some great matches against some great opponents. This is Andrey’s first loss of the season, having won two tournaments and getting through to the fourth round with unbelievable tennis.

“I’ve known Andrey since we were 10 years old… I think he will be top 15, top 10 very soon. I’m just happy and I hope I can continue.”

Zverev will take on former Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-final after the three-time Grand Slam winner took down US Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev in five sets.

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Alexander Zverev Andrey Rublev

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