Rublev stopped Tsitsipas in Doha
Andrey Rublev defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals of the Doha tournament, securing his place in the semifinals.
In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Doha tournament, Andrey Rublev, the defending champion, faced off against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Rublev emerged victorious with a score of 6-3, 7-6(2), effectively halting Tsitsipas's progress in the tournament. The match was marked by a significant moment early on when Tsitsipas committed a double fault, allowing Rublev to break serve in the third game, which set the tone for the first set.
Tsitsipas had opportunities to counter Rublev's break but squandered four break points in the sixth game and another in the eighth, ultimately losing the first set after Rublev secured another break. The second set showcased both players' strong serving, leading to a tightly contested tie-break. Rublev took an early lead in the tie-break at 3-0 and maintained his advantage to win it 7-2, clinching the match and advancing to the semifinals where he will face the winner of the match between Alcaraz and Khachanov.
The outcome of this match has significant implications for both players. For Rublev, it reinforces his status as a formidable competitor and defending champion in the tournament, while for Tsitsipas, it raises questions about his form and performance under pressure during key moments in the match. As the tournament progresses, Rublev will aim to defend his title against top opponents, showcasing his skills and resilience on the court.