ATP Rotterdam: Andrey Rublev wrestles Andy Murray, Bautista Agut eliminated
After Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev left , Roberto Bautista Agut , another favorite, failed early in Rotterdam. Andrey Rublev , however, lived up to his role as favorite in the big game against Andy Murrray.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Mar 03, 2021, 09:17 pm
The dying of favorites at the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam this Wednesday continued in the afternoon. After both Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev - and thus the number one and three in the tournament - had to give up the sails around noon, the Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut also said goodbye to the tournament. The number five of the tournament was defeated by his compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in straight sets.
Also that afternoon there was a real tennis fight to be seen. The duel between Kei Nishikori and Alex de Minaur had to be decided in a third set, in which returnees Nishikori - most recently handicapped by COVID infection and injuries - should have the upper hand and win 6: 3, 2: 6 and 7: 5 Should make it to the quarter-finals. There the Japanese waits for the winner of the second round duel between Medvedev conqueror Dusan Lajovic and Borna Coric.
Rublev takes Murray down
Andrey Rublev is also in the quarter-finals. The world number eight fought a battle worth seeing with former number one in the world Andy Murray and had to work hard, especially in the first round. In the end, however, it was the form-strong Russian who had to prove his staying power. With a double mistake, of all things, the otherwise strong serving Murray had to give up his serve to make it 5: 6 - Rublev took the chance and confidently set 1-0.
The second set was much easier for Rublev - the Russian managed the early break to 3: 2, which the world ranking eighth finally also to 7: 5 and 6: 2 success - and thus made the leap into the round of last night. There it is probably against the Marseille winner from last week, the Belgian David Goffin. He will meet Jeremy Chardy tomorrow, Thursday.
Click here for the Rotterdam draw!