Australian Open 2023: Andrey Rublev does the Houdini against Holger Rune
AndreyRublev is in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2023 after a strong fighting performance. The Russian got the upper hand against Holger Rune in five sets.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 23, 2023, 08:55 am
Andrey Rublev and Holger Rune met in the early hours of Monday morning (CET) for the long-awaited round of 16 duel at the Australian Open 2023. Especially since both have shown extremely respectable performances in the course of the tournament so far - and this duel is about who is supposed to have the ninefold Melbourne champion Novak Djokovic will be allowed to record. Later on Monday, the Serb will play his round of 16 duel with local hero Alex de Minaur ( Here in the live ticker! ).
Andrey Rublev set the first scent mark in this match: The 25-year-old Russian presented himself dominantly from the start, got the first break and served himself safely to win the set 6:3. Holger Rune found his way into the game better as the match progressed, countered strongly and equalized the set 6:3. Then a moment of shock in the Rod Laver Arena: Rune appeared physically unwell, indicated dizziness and sought medical treatment.
Rune and Rublev show nerves
The complaints had a rather drastic impact on the Dane's game, who now acted with complete impetuosity and sent the pendulum swinging back towards Rublev with a spate of errors. The Russian stayed cool - and presented again with 6: 3. And just as everything was already looking like Rublev would be able to secure the victory, Suddenly Rune recovered. A strong return game later, the 19-year-old was ahead with a break. And with a score of 5: 3 on his own serve, he had the chance to ensure the 28th five-set match of the previous Australian Open.
What followed fitted into this curious duel. First, Rune made a completely messed up service game - including two double mistakes - then Rublev stumbled and had to give up the set despite a rebreak in the last section due to another break. The set ball: a more than avoidable drive volley mistake by Rublev. Level: sola. Section five could not compensate for this at first, Rublev started nervously, but was able to thwart three break chances right at the start.
Rune wobbles
A few moments later, the Russian didn't want to succeed in this feat again: Rune managed to shift up a gear and secured the first break of the decisive set. The young Dane was now the better player of this round of 16 duel, well-measured risk paired with a renewed increase in errors at Rublev was reflected in a 4-1 lead in the last section. However, this match was by no means over, Rune served again at a score of 5: 3 to win the set, Rublev again managed the rebreak in the last push-off.
And because the Russian knew how to confirm this this time - of course with the strong help of Rune, who made some unbelievable mistakes in this phase and had to give up eight points in a row - Rublev was back in this match. The Dane, on the other hand, was able to regain his composure and served himself to zero to make it 6:5. The pressure consequently shifted back towards the Russian. The 25-year-old initially had an effect, was faced with two match points, but was able to thwart them with nerves of steel - so a match tiebreak had to make the decision.
Rublev with monster comeback
In this Rune got off to a strong start again: The 19-year-old got two mini-breaks in a row and pulled away 5-0. Rublev - unusually calm and composed throughout the entire match - continued to fight and got at least one mini break back to make it 6:3, Rune immediately countered with a strong return. What followed was "The Great Escape" by Andrey Rublev: The Russian scored six (!) points in a row and actually had two match points at a score of 9:7. The decision in this match? no way. Rune found an incredible backhand pass down the line at 8-9 - 9-9.
Rublev worked out a third match point - and in the end it somehow fit into the picture. The 25-year-old had the return well on the racket, hit the edge of the net - and the ball dribbled to the ground on Rune's side. Game, Set, and Match, Andrey Rublev.
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