US Open 2021: Andrey Rublev through to US Open second round with spirited win over Ivo Karlovic
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Updated 30/08/2021 at 18:51 GMT
Russian fifth-seed Andrey Rublev has yet to reach the semi-final of a Grand Slam but may now fancy his chances with the number of big-name dropouts at the 2021 US Open, but a win over Croatian Ivo Karlovic will give him hope of his best-ever performance at a major. On Monday afternoon a 6-3 7-6(7-3) 6-3 win saw him reach the second round.
Andrey Rublev
Image credit: Getty Images
Andrey Rublev beat Ivo Karlovic in three sets 6-3 7-6(7-3) 6-3 in the first round of the US Open in Flushing Meadows
The fifth-seed Russia struggled at times to deal with his opponents gusty serve, with Karlovic sending down 19 aces over the course of the match
However, when it mattered Rublev was on top. He took both of his break chances, and his opponent blew each of the four he earned.
As well as that, the second set was won by Rublev on a tie-break as he held his nerve.
With so many big names out of the men’s draw, the world number seven will be hopeful of his best-ever showing at a Grand Slam, with the 23-year-old yet to get past the quarter-finals at the US Open, and having gone no further at any other major event.
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