Rublev exits in upset loss to qualifier

Third seed Andrey Rublev was out-duelled at the ATP Dubai tournament by a plucky qualifier, witi last weekend’s Doha winner stunned by Quentin Haly3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) on Tuesday.

The 77th-ranked Frenchman marked the biggest win of his career with the upset result which took two and a quarter hours.

Halys, who won his first match at the 500 level, needed three match points to advance to the second round, sending a forehand winner into the corner past third-seed Rublev.

 “I’m so happy,” the winner said. “It was such a tough match. What a victory – I played well today.”

Rublev was halted as he aimed for his 18th match win in Dubai, where he lifted the title in 2022.

“Andrey fights to the end,” Halys said. “I was nervous before the start but calm at the end.

“That was the key for me to serve well, play aggressive and play some amazing shots. In a 500 you always play some amazing players, I’ve lost to a lot of good guys..

“This is the best victory of my career, conditions here really suit my game.”

ATP NO. 9 Rublev lost in the Dubai first round for the only time in six appearances, always reaching the quarter-finals prior to this edition.