19-year-old Andrey Rublev has stunned fourth seed Paolo Lorenzi 6-4, 6-2, to win the Umag Open in Croatia.
The final was contested between the youngest and the oldest players in the draw this year. Lorenzi’s greater experience failed to intimidate his Russian opponent, who engaged in a series of heavy-hitting rallies from the baseline throughout their encounter.
Rublev’s journey into the tournament was a fairytale on its own. Losing in the final round of qualifying, he received a lucky loser position into the main draw. Capitalising on his opportunity, he dropped just nine service games on route to the final and only one set against Fabio Fognini in the quarter-finals.
“I have no words to say because for me this tournament was already over one week ago.” Rublev said after winning the Umag title. “I lost in the qualies and now I am standing here as a champion. That’s something that changes your life in one week.”
Facing 35-year-old Lorenzi, the world No.74 got off to an electric start by grabbing a double break to race to a 4-1 lead. Rublev dropped one of those breaks, but the speedy start continued to give him the advantage. A forehand down the line guided the Russian to a set point, which he converted with the help of another forehand shot going deep.
Despite the new experience of playing in an ATP final, Rublev refused to succumb to nerves as he continued his powerful hitting throughout the second set to place Lorenzi in an uncomfortable position. Seizing upon his opportunity against his weakening rival, a backhand down the line from Rublev granted him the break for a set and 3-2 lead. From that moment on, the match was played on his terms. Racing towards the finish line, a forehand cross-court winner elevated him to his first championship point. The title was the seal after a Lorenzi shot smashed into the net.
“I would like to say thank-you to Lorenzo (Lorenzi) for the final. It’s an honour for me to play against such a great player and I hope we are going to play many more matches.” Rublev to his opponent during the trophy presentation.
Set to break the world’s top 50 for the first time in his career, Rublev has also become the first lucky loser to win an ATP title since Rajeev Ram at the 2009 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. He is also the first Russian player to win an ATP title this season.
