Rublev expresses relief after tight Barcelona match - "I managed to win today"

Despite not looking to be in his best form, Andrey Rublev managed to increase his intensity when it mattered on Thursday and defeat Albert Ramos-Vinolas to advance to the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open.

The third seed was engaged in a topsy-turvy clash with the Spaniard, as both men sprayed the court with errant shots. However, it was Rublev's strength under pressure that saw him prevail, escaping with a 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4 victory.

“Nothing has changed, I didn’t learn my lessons," Rublev said after the match. "The most important thing is that I managed to win today. When you’re not doing something correctly, but you’re still winning matches, it gives you confidence."

Read also

2021 Barcelona Open Prize money with €1,702,800 on offer

The Russian required two hours and 27 minutes to clinch his ATP Tour-leading 26th match win of the season, hitting 35 winners in a match that he felt could have gone either way.

"Albert was playing much better than me early in the third set, but you never know which way it will go,” Rublev admitted.

The Rotterdam champion will face Italian youngster Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals, as the recent Miami Open runner-up upset fifth seed Roberto Bautista Agut in their round of 16 encounter.