World number 8 Andrey Rublev cruised into the third round at the Australian Open with a 6-4 6-4 7-6 (10-8) win over Thiago Monteiro from Brazil after 2 hours and 8 minutes. Rublev, who claimed five ATP titles in 2020, has extended his winning streak to six consecutive matches in 2021. He has dropped just one set this year and helped Russia win the second edition of the ATP Cup.
Rublev broke twice in the the whole match. He didn’t drop a point in his first three service games. Both players went on serve in the third set, where Monteiro fended off four break points at 4-4. Monteiro went up a 40-0 lead in the ninth game on Rublev’s serve, but the Russian player saved all three set points with two aces.
Rublev fended off another set point in the tie-break of the third set. Monteiro saved two match points, but Rublev converted his third chance to secure his spot in the third round.
Rublev hit 45 winners to 37 unforced errors.
Rublev set up a third round match against Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez, who came back from two sets down to beat Lorenzo Sonego 5-7 3-6 6-3 7-5 6-4 after 3 hours and 18 minutes.
“It was really tough. I have trained with Thiago a couple of times. I played him once before and I lost to him so I knew it was going to be tough and physical. I was happy I could win in straight sets. I am feeling very well. Thankfully I have not played really long matches yet so physically I am feeling great. Fully charged for the next round, so we will see”, said Rublev.
Last year’s Rome Masters 1000 semifinalist Casper Ruud came back from one set down to beat US Tommy Paul 3-6 6-2 6-4 7-5 securing his spot in the third round, where he will face Moldova’s Radu Albot, who earned four breaks in his 6-2 7-5 7-6 (10-8) win over Australian wild card Christopher O’Connell.
