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Andrey Rublev Monte Carlo 2021
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‘I can play on every surface’ – Andrey Rublev reaches first final on grass


Andrey Rublev said he “stayed calm” to beat Nikoloz Basilashvili and reach his first grass court final at the Noventi Open in Halle.

The world No. 7 defeated the 29-year-old Georgian 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the semi-finals of the ATP 500 tournament.

The Russian broke twice to race through the first set, before the world No. 30 secured a single break to take the second and level the contest.

Rublev then earned the crucial break for 4-2 in the decider and – despite Basilashvili saving three match points on serve – finished the job.

“It’s my first final on grass and in Halle. I think I can play on every surface and I will try my best again tomorrow,” said the 23-year-old in a post-match interview.

“I had good opportunities to break him (Basilashvili) in the second set, some quite easy forehands and I stressed a little showing my emotions. I then came back and stayed calm until the last game. But I won.”

Rublev will face either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Ugo Humbert in the title match.

(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.