Andrey Rublev begins Gijon Open with a win over Ivashka

Ilya Ivashka was the first challenger Andrey Rublev faced at the Gijon Open and the Russian proved slightly better 6-3 5-7 6-4.

The match itself was rather straightforward as it was one between two players that knew each other really well. Both knew what to expect of the other but as Rublev has the bigger tennis skill he was able to get it done in two sets.

From the start, it was clear that Rublev would have the upper hand as Ivashka had issues on his serve from the start. Rublev largely cruised and he found himself up 4-1 rather quickly. From there it was rather smooth sailing to a 6-3 opening set win as he converted his 4th set point.

He had a chance to take the double break lead but Ivashka was able to avoid it but still lost the set. He put up a far better fight in the second set as Rublev misfired a bit more and grew frustrated especially in the second part of the set. In the first part, he applied heavy pressure and eventually got the break he needed 3-2.

He saved two break chances to make it 4-2 but it was a signal of trouble to come as Ivashka would break later on to make it 4-4. Ivashka evnetually took the second set 7-5 after outplaying Rublev but the Russian remained calm and took the final set 6-4.