TORINO | It was another hotly contested one-off match at this ATP Finals, much like the one between Félix Auger-Aliassime and Taylor Fritz the day before. And finally, it was Andrey Rublev who had the upper hand over Stefanos Tsitsipas, by the score of 3-6, 6-3 and 6-2.
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The Russian, sixth favorite in Turin, will therefore face the Norwegian Casper Ruud (3rd) in the semifinals around 3 p.m. Saturday, Quebec time.
But beyond the game and the result, what caught the eye in this duel were the words of the Greek, very disappointed, at a press conference.
“It’s a shame, he dropped. I felt like I was the best player on the pitch [vendredi]. I felt like I could be more creative. I don’t even have to say it, I think it was pretty obvious. »
“But yes, he had the upper hand with the few tools he has [he prevailed with the few tools that he has], continued Tsitsipas. He was really able to take advantage of it and win. »
“The few tools he has. »
This statement, in a sport where players have become accustomed to throwing flowers at each other, even when they are not deserved, was reported to the winner of the day by a journalist, who noted that “such honesty was rare”.
And that pushed the Russian to analyze his game and that of Tsitsipas.
Photo: AFP
Russian Andrey Rublev reacts after winning his round robin match against Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas on November 18, 2022 at the ATP Finals tennis tournament in Turin.
“I don’t know if I only have a few tools or not. But if we go blow by blow, I think his backhand is better than mine. But not his forehand. His serve is not faster. But he’s faster,” said Rublev.
Often close matches
A good player, the 25-year-old athlete nevertheless underlined that “obviously [Tsitsipas] is better than [lui]. He has achieved better results in his career. It is clear, there is no doubt. »
But Rublev gave it back by recalling that their clashes were often tight.
“It was only in the final in Monte-Carlo where he played very well and he demolished me [6-3 et 6-3, en 2021]. »
For the record, Rublev and Tsitsipas faced each other for the 11th time in their career on the ATP circuit on Friday. The Greek had the best six times.
And aside from their two Grand Slam clashes and the 2018 Next Gen tournament final, only three of their encounters have come in two sets.
The Russian won two of the three.
Fatal double faults
Despite this sparse toolbox according to his rival, Rublev obtained his first qualification for the semi-final of the championship at the end of the season on Friday, at his third attempt.
After a first round during which he multiplied unforced errors – 12 in total – the Muscovite recovered in second and did not let go.
In the final set, he broke in the second game. Tsitsipas finally offered him victory on a silver platter, committing two fatal double faults in his last service appearance.
” [Je suis fier] for continuing to fight me. I told myself that no matter how well he played, I was going to give it my all, on every ball,” said Rublev.
“I improved as the game progressed and at the end I turned the tide in my favour. I am happy. »