Erste Bank Open: Andrey Rublev in the final! Kevin Anderson has to give up
Andrey Rublev is in the final of the Erste Bank Open. The Russian benefited in the semifinals from a task by Kevin Anderson .
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Oct 31, 2020, 03:27 pm
By Michael Rothschädl from the Wiener Stadthalle
When Andrey Rublev stepped onto the Center Court in the Wiener Stadthalle this Saturday to contest his semifinals at the Erste Bank Open, he didn't just do it as a favorite for this match. After a crazy day in the quarter-finals yesterday, the Russian was also considered the man who will most likely lead to the title.
The 23-year-old also underlined these ambitions at the beginning of this match, Rublev presented himself inviolable on his own serve, should only give up four points in his service games over the entire course of the set and repeatedly took half chances when the tall Kevin Anderson served. Due to the remarkable service strength that the South African had already demonstrated over the entire course of the tournament, the Russian should not have any break chances for a long time. Only in the ninth game did the nerves shake in the world rankings 111. something, Rublev got three break chances and won set one after a double error by Anderson.
Anderson struck
It was the expected one-dimensional game, there were hardly any really long rallies to be seen. Anderson got many points with his serves, Rublev dictated the game from the baseline, but also got many free points himself through his service. Only one game was played in the second set when Kevin Anderson had to be treated on the thigh. The 34-year-old had been thrown back from injuries in recent years. Anderson was able to continue, but the giant from South Africa had to accept the break in the next game - and it was anything but smooth.
A few moments later Rublev made it 3-0, Kevin Anderson asked the physio again, but was only treated briefly. The 34-year-old Anderson, who had been thrown back from injuries again and again in recent years, was also reluctant to give up. With his own serve, the South African was able to shorten again, but after Rublev had easily managed another service game, Anderson had to give up. Rublev is in the final with a 6: 4 and 4: 1 ret.
Fifth season final for Rublev
"I don't know why things are going so well at the moment," said Andrey Rublev, who is usually reluctant, after his success. He has a great team around him who will always support him. "I came here thinking that I had nothing to lose. I just wanted to play my best tennis and fight for every point."
It is the third final at an ATP 500 event in a row for Andrey Rublev, who recently won the title in both Hamburg and St. Petersburg. The 23-year-old had won all four previous season finals. In the final, Rublev is now waiting for the winner of the second semi-final between Dan Evans and Lorenzo Sonego, who are fighting for their first ATP final in the 2020 calendar year.