WATCH: Alexander Zverev gets into argument after losing a point against Andrey Rublev by a millimeter

Rublev wins epic tie-break against Zverev, including a stunning back-hand inching into the sideline by a milimetre.

WATCH: Alexander Zverev gets into argument after losing a point against Andrey Rublev by a millimeter

Reigning champion, Andrey Rublev won his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev in straight sets. The Russian had never won a match against Zverev prior to his Dubai Open win. Rublev defeated the German in an exciting tiebreak, winning the game 6-3, 7(11)-6(9). The tie-break was witness to an epic shot by the Russians.

The second seed had not defeated the seventh-seeded Zverev in either of their previous five meetings. However, he changed the tides after winning the semi-final. In the previous round, he won his match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina by saving 5 match points, a feat comparable to the likes of Andy Murray. During the tie-break, Andrey earned his second point by hitting a narrowly-missed shot.

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Both Zverev and Rublev were playing in full form during the semi-final match. However, Zverev was not able to compete against the reigning champion and was down by a set. During the second set, Rublev wasted a match point during Zverev’s serve. As the pair entered into the tie-break, the possibility of a third set was on the horizon.

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While serving for the second point in the tie-break, Rublev hit a backhand down the baseline. Zverev objected to the shot as he raised his hand, indicating the chair umpire of his query. As the umpire replayed the point, the ball was just in by a single millimeter on the sideline. The German was not happy with the judgment, which led to a brief argument with the umpire.

The World No.6 went on to win the tie-break eventually. He was able to demonstrate his defensive skills to save points against Alexander. Ultimately, the second seed was able to come out on top, after saving a set point during the tie-break. Andrey is set to play against compatriot Daniil Medvedev in the finals, to claim his third Dubai Open title.

Also read: “I am a good team player,” Andrey Rublev mocks himself as he forgets his physio’s name during press conference in Dubai

Andrey Rublev to face Daniil Medvedev in Dubai Open final

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Daniil Medvedev sent Novak Djokovic packing in Dubai, handing him his first loss in four months. The World No. 7 defeated the top seed 6-4, 6-4 while Djokovic struggled with several unusual errors. The Serb suffers his first loss of the season, as Medvedev extends his own winning streak to 13 games.

Medvedev will play against Rublev in the final. Between the two, the former has won more matches against him. However, Rublev has won the last two matches against Daniil. Most recently, he defeated the World No.7 in the ATP finals last year.

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