ATP St. Petersburg: Andrey Rublev after defeating Denis Shapovalov in the final
The expected high-class match was expected, Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalovfought a hot exchange in the semifinals of the ATP 500 event in St. Petersburg, in which the Russian proved his staying power and with 4: 6, 6: 3 and 6: 4 moved into the final.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Oct 17, 2020, 03:21 pm
Andrey Rublev versus Denis Shapovalov: A match-up that will probably play a very central role in the future of tennis. The two youngsters known for their offensive, attractive style of play should face each other for the fourth time in the semifinals of the ATP 500 event in St. Petersburg, with two wins in 2019, at least the head-to-head spoke slightly in favor of the Canadian.
This should prove this in the first round, after both players were able to confidently hold their first three service games, Shapovalov set out in the infamous seventh game to take the service from his opponent. Rublev was able to fend off two breakballs and even found a match ball, but then Shapovalov played himself into a frenzy, beat three winners en suite and got the break - and a little later also set one.
Shapovalov is giving it momentum
This form seemed to continue in the second round, Shapovalov beat winner after winner, but it was Andrey Rublev who should manage the first break of the set. After a 40: 0, the Canadian made a terrible self-fall, hit four double mistakes and gave Rublev the break, which he was able to transport to win the set a little later.
It was the expected high-class match, both players impressed with excellent baseline tennis, with Shapovalov looking for the net a little more often. In front of an audience that cheered on Andrey Rublev frenetically - but not always completely fair - a third round had to bring the decision. In this it was again the local hero Rublev who should make the first break, in the fifth game the Russian grabbed Shapovalov's serve.
Fourth final of the season for Rublev
Andrey Rublev shouldn't let that go away. Shapovalov then complained visibly annoyed about a fan who tried to disturb him between the first and second serve on breakball. Rublev played the match to the end and turned his second match point after just over two hours. Borna Coric and Milos Raonic meet in the second semi-final. For Andrey Rublev it is the fourth final of the season, and the 22-year-old has won all three so far.