Andrey Rublev has extended his perfect record in ATP Finals this season to four out of four after easing his way to the Gijon Open title on Sunday.
The world No.9 was on top form throughout this 6-2, 6-3, win over America’s Sebastian Korda who was playing in his first ATP Final of the year. Rublev eased through the opening set in just 35 minutes before facing sterner resistance in the second. Overall he won 73% of his service points and broke Korda three times.
“I would like to thank my team for…I don’t know for what,’ Rublev joked during his trophy ceremony.
“For being able to control my crazy emotions. For making me work hard and always pushing me. Hopefully, we are not in the middle of my career and there are many more good things coming,” he added.
Rublev’s clinical win over Korda improves his impressive record against players outside the top 40 this season to 31-3. In Gijon, he dropped only one set in four matches played, which was against Ilya Ivashka in the second round. He has also defeated world No.30 Tommy Paul and former US Open champion Dominic Thiem.
“I want to say congratulations (to Korda) for an amazing week. I don’t think I’m going to say something new – you’re super young and super talented,” Rublev said in a tribute to his latest opponent. “I’m sure you will have so many trophies and fight for the best. I wish you and your team the best of luck and keep up the hard work”.
Korda is set to rise to No.36 in the ATP Pepperstone ranking on Monday which is just six places below his career high. Earlier in the tournament, he claimed wins over third seed Roberto Bautista Agut and three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray.
Rublev is only the fourth player this year to have won four or more ATP Tour singles titles after Carlos Alcaraz (five), Rafael Nadal (four) and Novak Djokovic (four). He was also triumphant at the Open 13 in Marseille, the Dubai Tennis Championships and the Serbian Open. Overall, he has won 12 titles with seven of those being at ATP 250 events.
