Andrey Rublev 'evaporated' after Estoril Open disappointment with media duties skipped
ATPSaturday, 25 July 2026 at 10:00
Andrey Rublev was seldom seen following his exit from the Estoril Open. From getting back on the top step of the podium last week, it is another bitter blow for the former top 10 talent who continues to struggle for a decent bout of consistency.
The Russian reigned supreme last time out in the Bastad Open, taking down clay court specialist Luciano Darderi in straight sets for a first title since clinching the 2025 Qatar Open. It was his eighth consecutive year where he has won silverware as he continues his title winning streak up since 2019.
However, it seemed to be a false horizon. A very talented clay player, this was a great opportunity for Rublev, among other players, to get back onto the court following a brief stint on grass to get some much needed ranking points on the board.
After the success in Sweden, Rublev had his game face back on ahead of a trip south to Portugal for the Estoril Open. In its first year as an ATP 250 event, it had a number of talented names including Rublev and Darderi. Nevertheless, things would not go to plan for the number one seed.
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Another painful setback as Rublev nowhere to be seen
He began where he left off, dropping two games in less than an hour in a 6-1, 6-1 win over lucky loser Timofey Skatov. Next up was a tie against the world number 78 Luca Van Assche. It was a match that Rublev was the huge favourite for, and he showcased that by winning the first set with just a single break of serve.
It would go downhill from here. His French opponent clawed his way back into contention, levelling up before a break of serve at the start of the third set got the job done as Rublev tumbled out of contention for back-to-back titles.
Van Assche knocks out the top seed 😵
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 24, 2026
He defeats Rublev 3-6 6-3 6-4 to advance to his first ATP semi-final!#EstorilOpen pic.twitter.com/BOjx4DC1n4
Following that disappointment, Rublev did not appear for his press conference or media duties. Journalist Jose Morgado described the 29-year-old as having 'evaporated' from the scene. It is a bitter pill to swallow for Rublev who would have been the favourite to again seal glory, possibly competing against Darderi in the final once more.
Instead, he will now turn his attention to the North American hardcourt swing. A former runner-up at both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, Rublev will be hoping for a swift transition back to hardcourt and will be wanting a deep run for good preparation ahead of the US Open.
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As for the events in Estoril, Van Assche has set up an all-French affair in the semi-finals against Hugo Gaston while Darderi has his work cut out against the dangerous Alexander Blockx. Semi-finals to be played on Saturday with the highly anticipated final to take centre stage on Sunday.
Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist
Lucas Michael is a tennis journalist based in Cambridge, UK, specializing in comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours. For the past 1.5 years, he has been a core contributor to TennisUpToDate, where he has authored more than 3,000 data-driven match reports, deep-dive analysis pieces, and engaging liveblogs.
Lucas pairs real-time statistical analysis with on-the-ground reporting, frequently traveling to tournaments to cover the action firsthand from the press box and player press conferences. This blend of advanced metrics and direct access allows him to provide sharp context regarding player form, tactical trends, and breaking tour developments.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Grounded in core journalistic ethics, Lucas places a strict emphasis on meticulous sourcing, editorial accuracy, and a commitment to updating live content swiftly as verified information emerges.
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