January 23, (THEWILL) – Andrey Rublev secured his spot in the Australian Open quarter-finals for the second time in his career after a gruelling 7-6(9) 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 victory over number nine seed Holger Rune.
The match was filled with ups and downs for both players, with Rublev almost being broken in the fifth game of the opening set, but he recovered with great composure, saving from 0-40 down and holding his serve. In the following game, Rublev broke, hitting an unreturnable forehand down the line for a 4-2 lead.
However, Rune broke back immediately as Rublev hit a forehand into the net. The match continued in this fashion, with both players showing great skill and determination, but ultimately it was Rublev who emerged victorious, with the aid of a net cord on his third match point.
The Russian had to work hard for his fourth-round win, saving two match points in the fifth set, but ultimately managed to book a place in his seventh Grand Slam quarter-final. Rublev will face either Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his remarkable win, Rublev said, “It’s a rollercoaster man. I was 5-2 down in the fifth set. 6-5 with two match points and then 5-0 in the super tie-break. I never in my life was able to win matches like this and this is the first-ever time that I won something like this. Especially in a very special tournament playing the Australian Open. Playing in the quarter-final is something that I will remember for sure all my life. I have no words man. I am shaking.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.