Adelaide International, Australia

[18] Andrey Rublev (RUS) vs. [22] Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)

Any second, I expected Rublev to explode; yet, he stayed calm the entire match. Instead he vented his pent-up emotions on ball making life very uncomfortable for his opponent. He was relentless in his attack and that perhaps was what won him the match. Auger-Aliassime played some brilliant tennis, but he was unable to execute on the crucial points.

Short-lived Lead For Auger-Aliassime

I have often wondered if it is better to lose a match in straight sets easily than after battling hard to hang with your opponent, only to lose in the final set on a string of errors. Auger-Aliassime took the lead early in the third set, after not surrendering his serve the entire match, I expected him to hold his serve and win the match; yet, you can never underestimate an opponent when he’s behind. The Canadian got slightly tentative and the Russian was even more aggressive in blasting the returns past Auger-Aliassime. Rublev had the advantage in confidence, which comes from winning titles; Auger-Aliassime has yet to win his first title.

Rublev Was Relentless

It’s never a good idea to change you game plan; however, you must be flexible enough to adjust your game when your opponent keeps hitting winners past you. At 4-4, the Canadian had opportunities to regain the lead, but inexplicably he made a string of errors. Had the pressure to hang with Rublev taken a toll? Or was he simply exhausted? It could have been a combination of both, but whatever the cause, it signaled the end for the Canadian. He had lost his rhythm and he failed to rediscover it in time to prolong the match and perhaps force a third set tie breaker.

Painful Loss For Auger-Aliassime

It was a tough loss for the Canadian, who had fought so hard to even the match. Sadly, you cannot go back and change the results though, and he will have to learn from the loss. When you get a lead on an opponent, keep the pressure on because your opponent is sure to elevate his game to try and break back. Almost three hours long and Rublev won it 7-6(5), 6-7(7), 6-4. Rublev will contest his second final of the 2020 season (he won the title in Doha last week) against Lloyd Harris (making his first ever singles final appearance on the ATP Tour).

SOURCE OF IMAGES: Zimbio.com (main: Getty Images Europe-Andrey Rublev)