Rublev defeats Sebastian Korda in Miami quarterfinals to reach Masters final for the first time

In a Masters quarterfinal match at the open-hard-court tournament in Miami on March 23-April 4, world number eight Rublev beat 20-year-old Sebastian Korda 7-5, 7-6 to reach the semifinals for the first time. It will be the Russian’s 22nd time playing in the main draw at this level.

It’s the 14th time Rublev has reached an individual ATP semifinal. He has reached the final on ten occasions and taken the title on eight occasions.

However, Andrei lost his last two semifinals in Doha and Dubai.

The victory over Korda was the 20th for Rublev this season. He was the first to surpass that milestone and is three matches away from second place by three wins.

In his short interview after the match, Andrei commented on his victory against 20-year old Sebastian Korda.

Rublev admitted it wasn’t easy for him. Because of the rain, he had to interrupt and start all over again. It’s not easy – especially with his game.

“Sebastian is a great player. I was a little bit lucky that he had an injury at the end; he didn’t move very well. I think that was the key point.”

He also revealed he wasn’t surprised by the way Korda played. He trained with him last year, watched his matches in which he defeated classy opponents. Therefore, he wasn’t surprised. He thinks Sebastian is a great player and very talented. 

Andrei Rublev also talked about working with Sebastian’s father, Peter as well.

“I know his father very well because he helped me a little bit when I was around 16. When I was training at IMG Academy, Peter helped with advice and practiced shots with me on the court. For that, I’m very grateful to him. I also saw Sebastian. He was younger then, maybe 13. I don’t know if he remembers it,”

the Russian said.

According to him, his opponent’s father is really very smart. He understands tennis surprisingly well, and he teaches it very well. It’s noticeable he has excellent technique, easy strokes, and movement.

Rublev will play in the semifinals against Hubert Hurkacz, whom he lost to last year in their only head-to-head encounter.

“We know each other a little bit. We played once, and Hubert won. He’s a great player, a nice guy. We’ll see, it will be interesting. Hopefully, I can perform at a high level and get a revanche.”