Andrey Rublev, the world number five, defeated Andy Murray to win the inaugural World Tennis Championship exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Rublev won 6-4, 7-6 at the International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sport City, defeating former world number one Murray.
He won the first set 6-4 after breaking Murray in game nine and holding serve. Murray then sent a backhand into the net at 30-40 in the first game of the second set, giving Rublev the perfect start to the second set. In his second service game, the Russian ace went on the attack, winning 40-15 to take a 2-0 lead.
Also Read | Roger Federer drops out of the top 10 in latest ATP rankings
Murray, a two-time champion who has looked sharp since making his comeback in Abu Dhabi, went on the offensive and broke back to take a 5-4 lead before looking for the break to tie the match. Rublev, on the other hand, dug deep to tie the second set at 5-5.
Rublev surged to a 4-0 lead and, despite his opponent’s best attempts, he held firm to capture the set 7-2, sealing a 6-4, 7-6 victory and his first MWTC title in his third appearance.
“It’s my third time here and I always love coming. You get quality matches against top players. It’s great to have these types of matches ahead of the new season, that’s why we are here; it’s great preparation,” the Russian said after the match.
“It’s a huge pleasure to share a court with Andy. He is a special player; a true legend and it was a great match. I think the spectators enjoyed it and that is what we are playing tennis for,” he added.
Rafael Nadal, the 20-time major winner, was defeated for the second time in a row after his recovery from a foot injury, losing 6-7(4), 6-3, 10-6 to Denis Shapovalov of Canada in the match for third place.
Also Read | Responsibility of all players to get vaccinated: Andy Murray
Nadal, who was playing in his first tournament since the Washington Open in August, won a tough tiebreak in the first set but struggled with his timing in the second as Shapovalov regained his range and won.
