New Delhi: Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev had a nightmare at the ongoing Dubai Championships as he went down against qualifier Quentin Halys 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the opening round match. Rublev, who was high on confidence before entering the Championships with his Qatar Open title in the kitty, suffered a big heartbreak at the very onset of the tournament.
For the third seeded Rublev, the campaign at the Dubai Championships ends while for the 77th-ranked Halys, the journey continues. Halys, who showcased tremendous maturity and prowess, will next face Roberto Bautista Agut. For the French tennis player, it was his first win over a top-10 opponent.
Halys showcases resistance, talent
The opening set was a cakewalk for the 28-year-old French tennis player as he exhibited complete dominance to dispatch Rublev 3-6. In the second set, the Russian overcame all the challenges he faced in the opening to take it 6-4. The third and the final set of the match was all about showcasing talent and resistance at the top level. Halys, at the end proved to be a better player, taking the set 7-6 and eventually winning then game. After the victory, Halys said that at the moment, it is very tough to comprehend.
‘Mentally, it was a very difficult match. Andrey is maybe tired from his week in Doha. Beating a top-10 (opponent) is a significant moment in your career. I’m happy it happened today.’
The ninth-ranked Rublev had won the Dubai title three years back in 2022. On Saturday, he showcase courage to beat Jack Draper to win the Qatar Open. Meanwhile, in some other results, top seed player Daniil Medvedev showcased class to thrash Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 7-6. He will next face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the second round clash.
Second-seeded Alex de Minaur went down against Marin Cilic 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, while Nuno Borges eliminated eighth-seeded Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-1. Ugo Humbert, Matteo Berrettini, Felix Auger-Aliassime and qualifier Christopher O’Connell were among some other winners.
Dubai Championships: Meanwhile in some other results, second-seeded Alex de Minaur went down against Marin Cilic 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, while Nuno Borges eliminated eighth-seeded Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-1. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
