Rublev wins final ticket to ATP Finals semi-finals

The match between Rublev and Tsitsipas is one-on-one, with the winner going to the semi-finals and the loser being eliminated. Tsitsipas started better, but his impressive return and heavy forehand helped Rublev turn the tide. The Russian tennis player will meet Casper Ruud in the second semi-final at 3:00 on November 20, Hanoi time.

A one-handed backhand helped Tsitsipas stand up to a series of heavy balls from Rublev, to win the catch game and lead 4-1 in the first set. The Greek player lost only two points from serve in this set, thereby winning 6-3.

But Rublev persisted in pressing Tsitsipas in the second set and the results came in game 8. He forced his opponent to lose the hinge serve game. Rublev led 5-3, then saved the break-point in the deciding game and moved the game to the third set. There, the ability to deliver stable deliveries helped Rublev twice win the ball game of the world's number 3 opponent. The Russian tennis player won the final 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to continue with the second place in the Red group.

"I was a bit down, because I lost a game in the first set after leading 40-0," Rublev shared after the game. "But then I didn't let my emotions go too far, focused on finding opportunities and fighting with all I could."

This season's 51st win puts Rublev up against the top player in the Blues, Casper Ruud. The other semi-final will take place between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz, at 8pm on November 19, Hanoi time.