Rublev relieved to make St Petersburg final

Andrey Rublev came from behind to defeat Denis Shapovalov, setting up a St. Petersburg Open final with Borna Coric. 

Rublev fought back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, saving five of six break points to earn the victory.

The win moves Rublev ahead of Diego Schwartzman into eighth place in the battle to qualify for the ATP finals in London. 

His opponent Coric, who was beaten by Daniil Medvedev last year in the final, beat Milos Raonic 1-6, 6-1, 6-4.

“The match was unreal,” Rublev said in a post-match interview.

“The level was high from both sides. Both of us deserved to win. Shapovalov was leading and he had break point in the second set, so everything could [have] been in two sets for him… One or two points decided the match and today it was for me.”

“I think it was a good tournament. I have played three good matches and losses sometimes happen,” Shapovalov said.

“I started the match well and Andrey is in good shape and he deserved to win. It was an awesome fight. I like to come and play in St. Petersburg. I’d like to come back here next year.”