Andrey Rublev moves to semifinal after a thrilling battle with Benoit Paire

Andrey Rublev faced yet another player from France in Benoit Paire after his win over Gael Monfils. The Russian was overjoyed to find out after his win over Monfils that he would not be facing John Isner. However, he still had trouble in this match.

The first set was a very quick affair with Rublev dominating every aspect of the match. It only lasted 19 minutes with the Russian winning 6-2. Paire took a MTO after the conclusion of the first set for what seemed like a shoulder cramp. Upon a quick inspection by the physio, Paire was allowed to continue.

And he continued in great fashion playing a more loose style than the rigid one he employed in the first set. It was a direct consequence of the MTO or at least it seemed that way as Paire held a 4-1 lead rather quickly. Rublev struggled with his serve and that opened chances for Paire to attack him.

The Frenchman won 10/15 2nd serve points winning the 2nd set with 6-3. Things dramatically changed in the final set as Rublev found his serve once again. He still struggled on his 2nd but luckily for him that was only 8 points in the whole set. Paire on the other hand had similar issues with his 2nd serve and Rublev took advantage of it.

At 4-3 the Russina finally found a breakthrough taking the 5-3 lead before closing out the match with 6-3. A great win for Rublev who moves to the semifinal of a Masters for the 2nd time in 2021 (Monte-Carlo).