Andrey Rublev speaks on facing Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam SF

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No. 4 seed Andrey Rublev acknowledged that Frenchman Jeremy Chardy was a hard test in the Rotterdam quarterfinal but he was happy to survive the meeting. Rublev, ranked at No. 8 in the world, edged out world No. 64 Chardy 7-6 (2) 6-7 (2) 6-4 to reach his maiden Rotterdam semifinal.

Rublev blew a first-set break but also saved a set point in the 12th game, before realizing his first set point in the tie-break to win a tight opener. Chardy blew a two-break lead in the second set but also saved two match points in the 12th game, before winning the tie-break to force a decider.

In the third set, Rublev claimed two breaks and lost his serve once as he managed to earn a win over Chardy.

Rublev gave credit to Chardy

“It was a really tough match against Jeremy," Rublev said in an on-court interview, per the ATP website.

"He is shooting really hard, he is serving really hard… [In the first-set tie-break], I played a bit better than him. He made a couple of mistakes. In the second [set], I didn’t start really well… I managed somehow to come back and then I didn’t make it when I had the chances.

I had match points. “We went to a third set and then I started really well. He played one really good game. I got a bit tight and… to serve for the match is not always easy. There was drama at the end. He had one break point but, in the end, I managed to win so I am really happy”.

Rublev plays next against No. 2 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. “I will try to do as much as I can to be ready for tomorrow… Stefanos also had two tough matches [this week],” Rublev said. “Yesterday he had three sets and today he had three sets. Now he has to play doubles. It is not easy”.