Rublev's ATP Finals Hopes in Jeopardy After Paris Masters Upset

Rublev’s ATP Finals Hopes in Jeopardy After Paris Masters Upset

Andrey Rublev’s hopes of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals for a fifth consecutive season suffered a major setback on Tuesday as he was upset by Francisco Cerundolo in the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters. The 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) defeat leaves Rublev’s fate hanging in the balance, with Alex de Minaur now poised to leapfrog him for a Turin ticket.

Rublev had been closely monitoring the race to the ATP Finals in recent weeks, but his bid to secure his place was put in jeopardy by Cerundolo’s inspired performance. The Argentine saved three break points in a marathon game to reach 6-5 in the second set and then clinched the match in a tense tiebreak.

With Rublev’s loss, de Minaur now has a chance to overtake him in the ATP Race to Turin standings. The Australian began the Paris Masters 165 points behind Rublev and will face Cerundolo’s compatriot Mariano Navone in his first-round match.

Grigor Dimitrov, the returning finalist in Paris, can also join the ATP Finals conversation with another deep run. Casper Ruud, who was one spot ahead of Rublev in the standings, now has more breathing room to work with.

Rublev expressed his disappointment after the match but acknowledged that the players who could prevent him from qualifying are “wonderful people.” He added, “If I don’t qualify, I’ll be happy for them.”

Soon after Cerundolo’s victory, it was announced that Taylor Fritz had become the fifth player to qualify for the ATP Finals. The top-ranked American joins Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev in the eight-man field.

There are two ATP 250 events available to hopefuls seeking the final three places next week in Metz and Belgrade. Rublev did not initially enter either tournament, but could pursue a wild card if it impacts his chances of making the ATP Finals.

Shelton Edges Wawrinka, Sets Up Rublev Clash in Basel

Shelton Edges Wawrinka, Sets Up Rublev Clash in Basel

American rising star Ben Shelton has set up a tantalizing quarterfinal clash with world No. 8 Andrey Rublev at the Swiss Indoors Basel after overcoming home favorite Stan Wawrinka in a thrilling 7-6 (2), 7-5 victory.

Shelton, the sixth seed, displayed remarkable resilience and clutch play in the face of a spirited challenge from the three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka. The 22-year-old American’s powerful serve and ability to execute in crucial moments proved decisive.

“I thought I was just tough in the big moments,” Shelton said after the match. “There was a lot of challenges out there today, but I thought he played a really good match. The crowd was really into it, obviously, behind their guy.”

Shelton’s victory continues his impressive run of form indoors this season. He has yet to drop a set in Basel and has shown steady improvement since his breakout 2023 campaign, which included a semifinal appearance at the US Open.

Wawrinka, despite his age, remains a formidable opponent, as evidenced by his recent semifinal finish in Stockholm. However, Shelton’s ability to break serve at a crucial juncture in the second set proved to be the difference.

In the quarterfinals, Shelton will face a stern test against Rublev, who has also been in impressive form in Basel. The Russian has won both of his matches in straight sets and currently sits eighth in the ATP Finals race.

Meanwhile, in other quarterfinal matchups, No. 3 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6 (3), 7-5, while No. 7 seed Arthur Fils upset Pedro Martinez in straight sets.

39-Year-Old Wawrinka Stuns Rublev to Reach Stockholm Semis

39-Year-Old Wawrinka Stuns Rublev to Reach Stockholm Semis

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka defied his age and world ranking to stun top seed Andrey Rublev in the Stockholm Open quarterfinals on Friday. The 39-year-old Swiss, now ranked 217th, displayed his trademark resilience and shot-making prowess to overcome the seventh-ranked Russian 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5).

Wawrinka’s victory marked his first triumph over a top-10 player this year and propelled him into the semifinals, where he will face American fourth seed Tommy Paul. The 2021 Stockholm champion defeated Serb Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6 (9/7), 6-2.

“I cannot change my age, but most important for me is that when I enter the court, I always try to fight,” said Wawrinka, who became the third-oldest semi-finalist in modern ATP Tour history behind Jimmy Connors and Ivo Karlovic.

“I try to improve and enjoy what I am doing. The reason I keep going is to play matches like this, with so many people giving me good energy on the court, and I’m super happy to have the chance to play one more match tomorrow.”

Wawrinka’s performance was a testament to his unwavering determination and the enduring quality of his game. He fired down 14 aces and converted his first match point to reach the semi-finals in the Swedish capital for the first time in four attempts.

“The key was to stay focused and positive with myself,” said Wawrinka, who had let a 2-0 lead in the second set slip.

The former world number three is now bidding for his 17th ATP title and first since Geneva in 2017. His victory over Rublev also dealt a blow to the Russian’s hopes of qualifying for the eight-player ATP Finals for a fifth consecutive year. Rublev currently sits eighth in the standings, with four players below him, including Paul, still competing this week.

Rublev Wins 40th Match of the Year, Extends Decade-Long Consistency Streak

Rublev Wins 40th Match of the Year, Extends Decade-Long Consistency Streak

Andrey Rublev, the world’s seventh-ranked tennis player, has made a winning start to his BNP Paribas Nordic Open campaign in Stockholm. The Russian defeated France’s Alexandre Muller in his opening match, 6-4, 6-1.

Rublev’s victory marks his 40th win of the year, continuing a remarkable trend for one of the most consistent players on the men’s tour. He has now won 40 or more matches every year so far this decade, a feat unmatched by any other tennis player, male or female.

Rublev’s win-loss records this decade are as follows:

* 2020: 41-10
* 2021: 53-23
* 2022: 51-20
* 2023: 56-26
* 2024: 40-20

Rublev’s latest achievement is particularly noteworthy as he is the first tennis player to win 40 or more matches every year so far this decade. Only one other player, Novak Djokovic, has managed to match this feat.

Djokovic, who recently reached the final of the Shanghai Masters, currently has 37 wins this year. With three more wins, he will equal Rublev’s record.

Djokovic’s win-loss records this decade are as follows:

* 2020: 41-5
* 2021: 55-7
* 2022: 42-7
* 2023: 56-7
* 2024: 37-9

Rublev’s victory over Muller in Stockholm was a revenge win, as the Frenchman had defeated him in the third round of the Rome Masters earlier this year.

The win puts Rublev through to his 12th quarterfinal of the year. He has won two titles this year in Hong Kong and Madrid, and has reached the final in Montreal. He has also been a semifinalist in Dubai and Umag, and a quarterfinalist at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Doha, Washington D.C., Cincinnati, and Beijing.

Rublev will face former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals. Wawrinka defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in three sets to advance.

Andrey Rublev's Season Marked by Triumph and Health Scares

Andrey Rublev’s Season Marked by Triumph and Health Scares

Andrey Rublev’s remarkable season has been marked by both triumph and adversity. After capturing his second ATP Masters 1000 title in Madrid, the Russian faced a life-threatening health scare that nearly prevented him from competing in Asia.

Rublev underwent surgery just days before his scheduled departure for China, where he was set to play in Hangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. Doctors initially informed him that he would be unable to play in China due to the severity of his condition, which required a month of recovery time.

However, Rublev defied the odds and made a remarkable return to action in Beijing, where he defeated Pablo Carreno Busta and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to reach the quarterfinals. Despite his impressive performance, Rublev admitted that he is still not fully fit and is hoping to regain his fitness through match play.

The surgery was performed to prevent the amputation of an unspecified limb, Rublev revealed. He was fortunate that the issue was identified within the first few hours, as amputation would have been necessary after five or six hours.

Rublev’s health scare is his second major setback this season. In Madrid, he was hospitalized with inflammation in his throat and a swollen toe, which turned out to be a tonsillar abscess that restricted his airways.

Despite these challenges, Rublev remains determined to finish the season strong. He is currently ranked No. 7 in the Race to Turin and is hoping to qualify for the ATP Finals.

Andrey Rublev's Message to His Younger Self: Happiness Comes from Within

Andrey Rublev’s Message to His Younger Self: Happiness Comes from Within

Andrey Rublev, the current world No. 6 tennis star, recently shared a heartfelt message to his 12-year-old self in an ATP video. Reflecting on his journey and the challenges he has faced, Rublev emphasized the importance of finding happiness within oneself, regardless of external achievements.

“When you are Top 400 in the world, you’ll be happier than when you’re Top 10 in the world, having everything,” Rublev said, addressing his younger self. “What I’ve learned is success isn’t going to make you happy, only you can do that for yourself.”

Rublev’s message highlights the importance of self-awareness and listening to one’s inner voice. He advises his younger self to trust his instincts and make choices that align with his values. “You can’t avoid difficult moments, but if you’re happy with yourself, the difficult moments won’t affect you as much,” he said.

Rublev’s words resonate with his own experiences this season. Despite winning a Masters 1000 title in Madrid and reaching the final in Montreal, he has also faced setbacks and emotional outbursts. In March, he was defaulted in the semifinals in Dubai after an outburst at a line umpire.

In August, Rublev admitted to struggling with depression and burnout, which reached a boiling point at Roland Garros, where he had another self-destructive episode. “Mentally I was out of order,” he said. “I guess it was already a long moment of everything [building up] and I started to burn out.”

Rublev’s message to his younger self serves as a reminder that happiness and fulfillment come from within. While external success can be motivating, it is ultimately up to each individual to find joy and contentment in their own lives.

Tennis Stars Go “De Minaur” on TikTok with Demure Swings

Tennis Stars Embrace the “De Minaur” TikTok Trend

At the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in New York, a group of elite tennis players participated in the latest TikTok trend, “de Minaur.” The trend involves players performing a demure, shy, and cool swing.

Alex de Minaur, the Australian tennis star, is credited with popularizing the trend. When asked about the meaning of “de Minaur,” Andrey Rublev explained that it refers to de Minaur’s last name and that the words “shy” and “cool” can have different meanings depending on the context.

Rublev and Denis Shapovalov demonstrated a one-swing attempt, with Rublev placing a hand on his hip. Casper Ruud offered a more condensed swing, while Nick Kyrgios emphasized the shyness aspect with a reserved swing and walk off frame.

Stefanos Tsitsipas fully embraced the trend, delivering a highly demure performance. However, it was de Minaur himself who showcased the most authentic interpretation. He turned his body, shadowed a slow-motion forehand, and made direct eye contact with the camera, exuding confidence and self-awareness.

The “de Minaur” trend has gained popularity on TikTok, with users creating their own versions of the demure swing. The trend highlights the playful and creative side of tennis players, showcasing their ability to connect with fans beyond the court.

Andrey Rublev Signs Multi-Year Deal with K-Swiss, Unveils Charity Collaboration

Andrey Rublev Signs Multi-Year Deal with K-Swiss, Unveils Charity Collaboration

Andrey Rublev, the Russian tennis star, has inked a multi-year deal with K-Swiss, a renowned American sportswear brand. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Rublev, who has been making waves on the tennis circuit with his impressive performances.

Rublev’s collaboration with K-Swiss extends beyond the court, as the brand plans to release a K-Swiss x Rublo capsule collection featuring apparel and a limited-edition performance sneaker. The collection will showcase Rublev’s signature slogan, “Play for the Kids, Play for the Light,” which reflects his commitment to charitable causes.

In addition to the capsule collection, Rublev will sport K-Swiss’ Free Motion apparel and Hypercourt Pinnacle shoes at the upcoming US Open. These co-branded items will feature Rublev’s slogan, further amplifying his message of hope and inspiration.

Rublev’s partnership with K-Swiss is a testament to his growing stature in the tennis world. The brand’s eclectic roster of tennis players, including Cameron Norrie, Zhang Zhizhen, and Liudmilla Samsonova, reflects its commitment to supporting athletes who embody both athleticism and style.

Rublev’s previous association with Nike ended in 2022 due to the company’s suspension of operations in Russia. Since then, he has been out of an apparel contract, making his partnership with K-Swiss a significant development in his career.

The launch of Rublo, Rublev’s own charity project, has been a resounding success. The first shoppable drop, “Play for the Kids,” raised over $150,000 within two months of its launch. Rublev’s collaboration with K-Swiss will further amplify the reach of his charitable endeavors, allowing him to make an even greater impact on the lives of children.

Andrey Rublev Regains Form, Sets Up Sinner Rematch in Cincinnati

Andrey Rublev Regains Form, Sets Up Sinner Rematch in Cincinnati

Andrey Rublev, the world’s sixth-ranked tennis player, has regained his consistent form at the Cincinnati Open, reaching the quarterfinals with two impressive straight-sets victories. After a disappointing loss in the Montreal final, Rublev has bounced back with confidence-boosting wins over Zhang Zhizhen and Brandon Nakashima.

Rublev’s resurgence comes after a challenging period marked by depression and burnout. However, a “long conversation” with compatriot Marat Safin has helped him turn his mental state around. Rublev credits Safin with providing him with the tools to stay calm in crucial moments and trust his abilities.

The Russian’s success in Montreal and Cincinnati is a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite his dislike for the fast hard-court conditions, Rublev has used his powerful serve and forehand to dominate his opponents. He has not dropped a set in his two matches so far.

Rublev’s next challenge will be a rematch against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Cincinnati quarterfinals. Sinner holds a 5-3 advantage over Rublev in their head-to-head record, but Rublev will be confident after defeating the Italian in the Montreal quarterfinals.

If Rublev can overcome Sinner, he will have a chance to reach his second ATP Masters 1000 final of the year. His victory in Madrid earlier this season proved that he is capable of producing his best tennis on the big stage.

Rublev’s resurgence is a welcome sight for tennis fans. The Russian is one of the most exciting players to watch on tour, and his return to form adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming US Open.

Sinner Poised for Revenge in Cincinnati Open Rematch with Rublev

Sinner Poised for Revenge in Cincinnati Open Rematch with Rublev

Andrey Rublev vs. Jannik Sinner: Cincinnati Open Quarterfinal Preview

On Saturday, August 17th, the Cincinnati Open will host a highly anticipated rematch between Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner. Last week, Rublev stunned Sinner in Montreal, winning 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. However, experts believe that Sinner has a strong chance of redemption in Cincinnati.

Sinner has had ample time to recover from any physical ailments that may have hindered him in Montreal. Additionally, he received a bye in the Round of 16, giving him extra rest and preparation. Rublev, on the other hand, has played two grueling matches in Cincinnati and reached the final in Montreal.

The conditions in Cincinnati also favor Sinner. The courts are known for their fast pace, which suits his aggressive style of play. Rublev’s serve, which was a key factor in his Montreal victory, may be less effective in Cincinnati.

Furthermore, Sinner is an exceptional returner, capable of creating break point opportunities against Rublev’s inconsistent service games. The Italian is also highly motivated to avenge his loss in Montreal and boost his confidence ahead of the US Open.

While Rublev is a formidable opponent, Sinner’s physical recovery, fresh legs, and favorable conditions give him a significant advantage. Experts predict that Sinner will prevail in straight sets, seeking redemption and momentum heading into the US Open.

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