Andrey Rublev was able to hold his own in a close-fought match against the Polish Hubert Hurkacz, who played some outstanding aces throughout the encounter. The spectators were highly engrossed in the proceedings, both amazed and delighted that both players were able to put up a fight. However, in the thrilling last set, Rublev was ultimately defeated by Hurkacz with 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8).
The match lasted for two hours and nine minutes. Despite his near-missed title, Rublev maintained a positive outlook after the conclusion of the match. In one of his interviews, Rublev said, “There are positive things I can take, mainly the level at which I’ve been playing throughout the tournament & that I have added a new Masters 1000 final. These things do not always happen. It’s clear that there are positive things.. they push me to continue working exactly as the same way.”
Rublev remains optimistic
He also expressed his satisfaction with his performance, claiming that for the first time in his career he felt that he had achieved a high level of performance and that he intends to demonstrate this level of performance in future bouts.
“I feel that in recent months I’ve been doing all the right things, that I am playing well, & that it is a matter of time before I can show this level in tournaments. Shanghai is the first tournament in which I’ve achieved this, so I hope to continue improving &continue showing this level for the rest of the year,” Rublev added.
Andrey Rublev says he’s focusing on the positives after loss to Hurkacz in Shanghai:
“There are positive things I can take, mainly the level at which I’ve been playing throughout the tournament & that I have added a new Masters 1000 final. These things do not always happen. It’s… pic.twitter.com/3Q0TxHKkYI
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 15, 2023
Meanwhile, Hurkacz celebrated his second Masters title and dedicated it to his grandmother, who happened to be celebrating her birthday on that day. In his X, he posted, “Shanghai ❤️🏆This one feels special. This season hasn’t been easy but I never stopped believing. Thanks to my family, my team and everyone cheering in the crowds and on tv. Well done Andrey on a great tournament! Thank you Shanghai. Happy birthday Grandma 😊”
Shanghai ❤️🏆
This one feels special. This season hasn’t been easy but I never stopped believing. Thanks to my family, my team and everyone cheering in the crowds and on tv. Well done Andrey on a great tournament! Thank you Shanghai.
Happy birthday Grandma 😊
📸 Hector Retamal pic.twitter.com/Q8YI7ONbfQ
— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) October 15, 2023
Following their respective Masters triumphs, Rublev rose two spots to the fifth position in the ATP rankings. Meanwhile, Hurdacz improved his ranking to eleventh place in the ATP Live Race to Turin, as per ATP tour.
Even though he lost, Rublev went on to become the second Russian to make five ATP final appearances in a single season, following his countryman Daniil Medvedev.
2 – With Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev now reaching eight and six finals each in 2023, it is the second time in the Open Era two Russians have made more than five ATP-level finals in a season – Kafelnikov/Safin, 2000. Peak.#RolexShanghaiMasters | @SH_RolexMasters @atptour pic.twitter.com/r16yocCNIF
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) October 14, 2023
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Polish tennis players dominates Beijing and Shanghai tournaments