Rublev beat Roberto Bautista-Agut to reach the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time
From April 11 to 18 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, a relatively big ATP Masters 1000 series tournament is held – Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, in which 56 players take part. Tennis players are fighting for the title on outdoor clay courts, and the tournament prize fund is more than 2 million Euros.
Andrei Rublev, the eighth racket of the world and the winner of ten ATP series tournaments, in 2 hours and 45 minutes beat Roberto Bautista-Agut at the Masters in Monte Carlo with a score of 7:6. 5:7. 6:3 and equalized the score in personal meetings – now it’s 3:3. In the first set, Rublev made a reverse break.
Rublev reached the quarterfinals of the Masters on clay for the first time. Previously, his best result was the second round in Monte Carlo-2019 and Rome-2020. It was the third time in his career he reached the quarterfinals of tournaments at this level.
Rublev is playing his sixth individual tournament this season and has never dropped out before the quarterfinals: Australian Open – quarterfinal, Rotterdam – win, Doha – semi-final, Dubai – semi-final, and the Masters in Miami – semi-final.
Rublev will now face Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard leads 2-0 in head-to-head battles, with both matches taking place on the hard.
In his short interview, which the Russian gave immediately after the match, Andrei commented on his victory over Roberto Bautista-Agut, and also shared his expectations of the meeting with Nadal.
“Unreal match. Everyone knows Roberto is such a stable player that there is no chance against him unless you show your best tennis. Every time I had to play 20 strokes, to take one point. It’s tough,”
Rublev said.
The Russian also admitted he had to accept that he was in for a tough battle and he won’t get anything for nothing. So Andrei knew he had to show his best in every rally.
“Even if he loses, he won’t give up – for example, in the third set, I was leading 3-0, but he got the break back. So, yes, every point had to be played as the last one. All in all, I think we had a great match, we played some great tennis, and I’m pleased about that. And, of course, I’m glad I won.”
As well as asking about his emotions after his match against Bautista-Agut, the Russian No. 2 was also asked how excited he was about the opportunity to face 11-time champion Rafael Nadal, on the clay.
“Not really (smiles). It will be a big test for me. I’m looking forward to it, and I’ll put myself out there completely. I won’t feel any pressure. The obligatory minimum score I already showed, so there will be no pressure, I will fight, I will attack, and then we’ll see,”
he added.