Qualifier Andrey Rublev Stuns Roger Federer at Cincinnati Open 2019

The Swiss, Roger Federer made a smooth start in Cincinnati by defeating his Argentine opponent, Juan Ignacio Londero in straight sets. And today the 21-year-old young Russian, Andrey Rublev made his journey bouncy. The qualifier from Russia, Rublev defeated Federer 6-3, 6-4 in the round of 16 of the Cincinnati Open 2019. 

The seven-time champion in Cincinnati, Federer just won 63% of his first serves in the match. His net game was poor. The last time when the Swiss lost to a qualifier was 12 years ago in Indian Wells and today he was dismantled by the young Russian in 61 minutes of time. It was his quickest loss since 2003, that year he lost in Sydney in 54 minutes to Franco Squillari.

Federer hit 19 unforced errors and whereas the young Russian committed just six of them. Before playing Federer, he dislodged Federer’s compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the previous round.

Since the very beginning of the match, World Number 70, Rublev was destroying the tennis ball and relentlessly slammed on Roger Federer’s court. Federer lost his opening serve and later could compensate for that loss, but the young Russian broke him back. The Swiss could respond aggressively to Rublev’s serve but couldn’t take a lead in the set and lost it 6-3. 

Return Federer!

PeRFect!

Takes the set!

The second set began in a balanced manner and Roger Federer attacked frequently, also his serving ameliorated. Roger Federer was struggling to win points on Rublev’s serve as he comfortably made holds to love.

Love Hold!

He is something else

Extraordinary tennis from Rublev’s end gave rise to a break point on Federer’s serve. With Federer playing the ball out, the Russian qualifier led by 4-3. Playing smooth on his serves Rublev consolidated 5-3 and later, he eliminated the 20-time major champion in his next service game.

Game Set Match!

Up next, Rublev will play his compatriot, Daniil Medvedev in the next round and Roger Federer will be seen at the US Open 2019 in New York.