To beat Daniil Medvedev, you need to play a great match: Andrey Rublev

Russia’s Tennis sensation Andrey Rublev admitted that he had to bring his A-game to the table to beat a top player like Daniil Medvedev. Rublev defeated his Russian counterpart by 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open.

In fact, Rublev had not won against Medvedev in the previous four meetings and even failed to win a single set against the World No.2. After losing the opening set, Rublev had his work cut but the 23-year old was able to turn the tables in the set and broke his opponent’s serve twice to book his finals berth.

“I think for me it was important this win, because to beat Daniil, only to show great game is not enough. You need to be physically ready, because you will have to run a lot and play each point long rally. There will be almost no free points. You have to be mentally strong. So to beat Daniil, you have to do these three things really well,” Rublev said.

“It’s nice today I did it well, game-wise, physical-wise, and mental-wise, in some matches maybe I can be mentally and physically not good, but because I’m showing great shots, it’s enough to win sometimes.”

“Or sometimes maybe my game is really not good, but because mentally I’m focused enough to win sometimes. But here you need to show all three things, you know. I’m happy that I showed them today,” he added.

Rublev, who is placed at the seventh place in the ATP rankings, will look to continue his good show. The youngster has impressed with his skills and he will aim to clinch his maiden ATP 1000 Masters title.

Rublev will face Alexander Zverev in the final of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday.