Stefanos Tsitsipas saved a match point in the decisive tie-break to beat Andrey Rublev 6-1 4-6 7-6 (6) in his second match at the ATP Finals in London.
Tsitsipas faced just one break point throughout the match and dropped his serve once in the second set. A stark contrast to Rublev who saved seven of the nine break points he faced. As a result, Dominic Thiem has secured his qualifying spot in the semifinals after his win over Rafael Nadal in the afternoon session in what say was the best match so far in the tournament.
“It was an unbelievable match from both sides. We produced some incredible tennis. I mean the relief at the very end after putting all that effort and fight paid off,” said Tsitsipas.
“I’m very happy that I showed determination and a willingness to not give up when he had a match point.’
“I produced some really good tennis and that helped me get the win. It was really high quality tennis from both of us.”
22-year-old Tsitsipas went up a double break in the second and sixth games to cruise through to a 6-1 lead in a one-sided opening set after just 19 minutes. He served at 74%, dropped three points on his first serve and never faced a break point. The Athens native earned his first break in the second game when Rublev netted a backhand and held serve at love to open up a 2-0 lead. Tsitsipas broke for the second time at 15 to race out to a 5-1 before going on to seal the opening set with a service winner.
Rublev raised his level in the second frame by dropping only six points on serve. The Russian player saved two break points to hold serve with an ace at deuce in the seventh game and sealed the second set with a break at love in the 10th game forcing the match to the third set.
During what was a closely contested decider Rublev fended off five break points during the third game. With little to separate both players on the court it would be a tiebreak which decided the winner.
Tsitsipas started the tie-break with an early mini-break to take a 1-0 lead. Rublev pulled the mini-break back to get on serve for 2-2. Tsitsipas won three consecutive points to open up a 5-2 lead with another mini-break. Rublev came back by winning four consecutive points to earn a match point at 6-5. Tsitsipas saved it and won the final three points to clinch a thrilling tie-break 8-6 on his first match point.
“Today was a learning opportunity as well,” said Tsitsipas. “Even though it was a win I still feel there is still room for improvement. I’m sure having that mindset is going to pay off. “
