Andrey Rublev is in the semifinals of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells: The Russian, who is currently flying a neutral flag due to the war of aggression against Ukraine, defeated Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 7: 5 in the quarterfinals after 1:31 hours of play and 6:2 and thus secured the 13th match success in a row. Rublev now faces either Serbian surprise Miomir Kecmanovic or local hero Taylor Fritz in the semifinals.

In front of a rather sparsely occupied audience and in extremely pleasant weather conditions (windless 29 degrees) in Tennis Paradise, the Muscovite got the first break of the game to lead 3: 2 and could have served the set lead a little later if he wasn't at the time lost his strong first serve. Dimitrov scored with strategically flawless thrown in backhand sliceballs with which the Russian got into trouble time and time again. However, the 5:5 equalizer should only provide a short relaxation for the south-eastern European. Rublev broke again and used his fourth set ball to lead the set on his own service.

The number seven in the world rankings also got off to a good start in the second round and secured a break to lead 2-1 with a powerful game. And then Rublev didn't give up either - Dimitrov finally gave another service game with a fifth double fault. In the end, the 24-year-old served with one or two small uncertainties. All in all, a clear exclamation point from Rublev, who will also be favored in the semifinals.

Here the single tableau from Indian Wells.

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