Russian Andrey Rublev (eighth player in the world) knocked out Spaniard Rafael Nadal (number 3) 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, in the quarter-finals of the Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo, Friday April 16, and will be back Norwegian Casper Ruud (27e) in the last square.
The Spaniard did not show himself at the top of his game, committing many faults, but he was often taken by the violent and precise blows of the Russian. The latter will play his second Masters 1000 semi-final, after the one played in Miami earlier this month.
” For [Rafael Nadal], it must be incredibly difficult to play with this pressure of always having to win. I am shocked to see the level to which he can evolve despite this pressure. It’s much easier to play when you have nothing to lose ”, commented Andrey Rublev.
After the exclusion of world number 2, Russian Daniil Medvedev, for a positive Covid-19 test before the start of the tournament, then the elimination of number 1, Serbian Novak Djokovic, the day before in the round of 16, Rafael Nadal is the third headliner to leave the Monegasque tournament.
A tournament won eleven times
Andrey Rublev easily won the first set in 38 minutes and looked impossible to beat… except for Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard hung on, like this 4-4 breakout ball: Andrey Rublev hits with all his might a forehand that had bounced close to the net, but Raphael Nadal, who started on the right side, places a extraordinary forehand winner long line.
Two games later, he evened a set all over after a 73-minute set that seemed to mark the turning point of the game. Alas, Andrey Rublev takes three times the service of Rafael Nadal, losing his once, to break away 5-1 and not to be raised.
The Spaniard hadn’t played since the Australian Open in February before aligning himself with the Monegasque tournament, which he won eleven times.