Rublev wrecks Dimitrov dream in Shanghai

Andrey Rublev sent a disappointed Grigor Dimitrov out in the semi-finals of the  Shanghai Masters on Saturday to line up a final against Hubert Hurkacz.

Rublev will bid for a second Masters title of the season while strengthening his position in the field for next month’s eight-man ATP Finals in Turin.

Dimitrov, 32, had defeated world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a third-round upset and followed that with a win over Nicolas Jarry here.

Fifth seed Rublev prevailed over the Bulgarian 7-6 (7), 6-3 while Hurkacz beat  Sebastien Korda 6-3, 6-4.

Rublev salvaged a set point on his way to taking the 76-minute opener and came from a break down in the second against his good friend off court.

“It’s not easy when you win matches against friends,” the winner said.after reaching a fourth career final at the Masters level.

“You feel sad, but at the same time you want to win. It’s a mix of feelings.”

Rublev will bid for the title without losing a set so far in China’s commercial capital and improved to 18-6 in Masters this season after winning Monte Carlo in April.

Rublev is braced for a battle with Hurkacz for the tite on Sunday.

“Hubi is so tough to play; he’s one of the players that you don’t want to face because he can beat everyone. 

“With his style of the game, the way he serves, the way he hits the ball.

“I just want to take my time to recover and to be as (fresh) as possible for tomorrow.”

Main photo:-Andry Rublev beating Grigor Dimitrov in Shanghai – by Pete Staples/ATPTour.com