Daniel Evans beat Andrey Rublev 6-2 7-6 (11-9) after 2 hours and 11 minutes to reach the semifinals at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The British player took a re-match against Rublev, who won their previous head-to-head match in Adelaide last January.
Evans earned two breaks in the first and fifth games to open up a 4-1 lead. The British player saved five break points in a 12-minute service game before serving out the first set on his third set point after Rublev made a forehand error.
Rublev broke serve in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead. Evans bounced back by winning four consecutive games and was the first to serve for the match at 5-4 in the second set. Rublev broke back in the 10th game with two forehands. Rublev rallied from 1-3 down in the tie-break. Evans fended off two set points at 5-6 and 8-9 and sealed the win on his third match point.
“I made a mess of some of the match points, especially my service game at 5-4 in the second set. I just stayed in there and knew and knew I’d get my chances. I am very happy with the way I played. Staying calm is the key, also getting the right balance and being aggressive with my feet. I am happy to come through and I will prepare for tomorrow”, said Evans.
