Rublev powers past Rinderknech to reach Dubai semifinals

Andrey Rublev secured his place in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships semifinals on Thursday evening. The No. 5 seed defeated Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 6-2, 6-4 in a clinical display of baseline aggression.

The world No. 18 dictated the tempo from the opening set. The match pivoted at 2-2 in the first. Rublev earned his first break point and converted it with a spectacular counter-smash. That moment of brilliance shifted the momentum entirely. The Russian capitalized immediately, reeling off four consecutive games to take the opening set in just 34 minutes.

Rublev’s shotmaking remained elite throughout the contest. He targeted Rinderknech’s backhand and maintained high intensity in the longer rallies. This victory marks Rublev’s 10th win of the 2026 season. It also secures his third semifinal appearance of the year, following deep runs in Adelaide and Rotterdam.

Rinderknech lacked freshness

Rinderknech, ranked No. 31, struggled to find his rhythm. He entered the quarterfinals after exhausting three-set wins over Jack Draper and Fabian Marozsan. The Frenchman could not find the same resilience against Rublev’s heavy forehand. Rublev remained disciplined in the second set, securing a decisive break at 3-3 and serving out the match without facing a break point.

The Russian has enjoyed a dominant week in Dubai. He previously overcame a tough three-set battle against Ugo Humbert before dismissing Valentin Royer in straight sets. Rublev now awaits the winner of the quarterfinal between sixth seed Jakub Mensik and Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.

With his confidence peaking, the 2022 champion remains a top contender for the trophy. His ability to produce big shots in pressure moments was the deciding factor on Thursday night.

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