Andrey Rublev set to face Stefanos Tsitsipas after downing World No 1
Mubadala World Tennis Championships defending champion Andrey Rublev eased past World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz to reach the championship match again.
Rublev had downed Andy Murray in the 2021 edition of the exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.
The World No 8 Rublev eased past reigning US Open champion Alcaraz 6-2 6-1.
Rublev ook advantage of early breaks to race away with the opening set, and he was able to crack the Spaniard’s service time and again.
“I was lucky I already played one match and he did not play, so that helped me a lot. You could tell Carlos was not at his best today and has not played much tennis but that is what pre-season is about”, said Rublev after his win.
Rublev would go on to break Alcaraz twice and win five consecutive games on his way to sealing the second set 6-1.
Alcaraz was making his return to the court since retiring from the quarter finals at the Paris Masters while trailing to eventual champion Holger Rune.
“Pre-season started a little bit late for me. I was recovering from my injury and I could not do everything from the beginning. Now I am trying to get ready and it’s all going well. There is still a lot to improve so I need to keep working for the next month”, said Alcaraz.
Later on Saturday Tsitsipas cruised past Casper Ruud 6-2 6-2 in a one-sided match to reach the final and book a match with Rublev.
The Greek World No 4 did not face a break point in the entire match and earned two consecutive breaks in the fifth and seventh games to close out the second set.
“Overall, my game is there. I was able to close off points at the net and rip forehands from time to time. My movement seems to good. I am happy with how I responded to difficult shots, and the serve was good today”, said Tsitsipas.
Ruud insists he is just grateful to get some time out on court ahead of the season.
“Obviously not the result I was looking for but at the same time, I got here after a holiday which was a great to recharge, and this is all part of my practice plan to get ready for Australia. I get to practice with top players and play a couple of matches, so however it goes, I am happy to be here and looking forward to another match tomorrow. Stefanos was just too good and better than me at everything. If he plays like this he is going to be a danger for everyone”, said Ruud.
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