Casper Ruud is into the biggest semi-final of his career after a 2-6 7-5 7-6(5) victory over Andrey Rublev at the Nitto ATP Finals.
The Norwegian came back from a break down in the last two sets to outlast the Russian and reach the last four.
Ruud will now play defending champion Daniil Medvedev in the last four on Saturday afternoon.
It was the Russian who was dominant in the early exchanges with some clean serving as well as hitting the lines with the forehand.
Ruud’s defence wasn’t up to the task of neutralising Rublev’s power as he failed to get consistent forehands after his serve.
The Russian’s big hitting in the big points saw him take a double break lead for a 4-1 lead.
Gradually Ruud managed to find his rhythm on serve and withstand the returning pressure from the other end of the court.
But Rublev was too strong on serve as he served out the opening set to love in 35 minutes.
A similar pattern evolved at the start of the second set with Rublev painting the lines with his forehand as he took advantage of some conservative play from the Norwegian to get the break for 2-1.
That was the kick Ruud desperately needed though as he retaliated from 40-15 down to break back for 2-2, finally using his forehand effectively.
Although Rublev continued to pile on the returning pressure, Ruud was starting to get the confidence back on his forehand and dictate the tempo of the match.
Eventually Ruud’s mixture of variety, powerful forehands and point construction as Ruud broke for the set in the twelfth game to level the match at one set all.
Both players started the final set with good intensity and conviction as both players looked to control the match on their terms especially in the rallies.
It was Rublev who drew first blood with some great volleying and a bit of luck on the way.
Ruud responded in quick fashion breaking straight back after winning some brutal rallies and producing some astonishing defensive shots.
The tail end of the final set saw both players become clutch on the crucial points as the crowd were entertained to some marvellous points.
In the end it was Ruud’s forehand and point construction who managed to outsmart Rublev’s power as he edged a nerve-wracking final set tiebreak to reach the semi-finals.
A disappointing end to Rublev’s season but can be encouraged by the way he fought to the end.
However Ruud’s character and determination as well as tactical variety sees him into the semi-finals where he will play Daniil Medvedev on Saturday.
