Rublev, Monfils set up final clash in Qatar ExxonMobil Open
DOHA, January 6, 2018 On a comparatively less cold and clear evening, Russian Andrey Rublev staved off a challenge from Argentinian Guido Pella after an almost two-and-a-half hour battle to set up a final meeting with Frenchman Gael Monfils at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2018 on Friday.
In an anti-climax, the top seed Austrian Dominic Thiem had to concede his semi-final to Monfils due to ill health. It also meant that all the eight seeds of the 26th edition of the tournament were out before the final.
The last time it happened was in 2004 when two non-seeds Nicolas Escude (France) and Ivan Ljubicic (Crotia) played the final and the former won."I have some bad news, due to some health conditions I have to cancel my start today. I am in bed with fever and there is almost no chance of a recovery until tonight.
I'm disappointed, but nevertheless I had a solid start into the new season. Now I am focusing on Melbourne and being fit and prepared for the first Grand Slam of the year! #bamos #outsick #fever," said Thiem's Facebook message. Monfils wished him well, saying,"I'm very sad for Dominic and I hope he will have a speedy recovery."
Only one semis show, however, wasn't a disappointment at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex as the 20-year-old and World No. 39 Rublev was given a run for his money by the 27-year-old 64-ranked Pella.
Rublev began with a flourish as he demolished Pella in the opening set, breaking in the very first and 7th games, but the Argentinian clawed his way back and fought point for point in the decider before the Russian prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (2).
Rublev was severely tested by Pella and the young Russian showed his steely character along with his repertoire of shots as he survived a match point to take the third set into the tie-break and win it. But even as Rublev was battling the left-handed Pella, legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who is in Doha, was heaping praise on the Russian prodigy."He's excellent.
He's got a future, there is no question about it," said Bollettieri, who is here to work with coaches and help them develop young players in Qatar. Rublev sat pretty having won the first set, but Pella returned more wise and threatening. He broke Rublev's serve to take a 4-2 lead. And though the Russian broke back soon, he could not stop the Argentinian from taking the set 6-4.
The decider was a tight affair with both players sticking to their guns. But at 4-5, Rublev was in trouble facing a match point. But two forehand winners, one inside out and another a superb cross-court swing, saw him get away. He then ensured a tiebreak where he added more force to his shots to emerge a winner at 7-2 and sealed a place in Saturday's final.
Rublev has more hard work waiting against Monfils. The 31-year-old Frenchman has been a three-time finalist in Qatar (2006, 2012, 2014) and will be hoping to be fourth time lucky. "I'm happy to be in the final for the fourth time here. So I guess I hope this one will be better than the earlier ones. I'm just pleased the way that the year has started and I'll be ready for tomorrow," said Monfils, who's a hit with the crowds here.
Earlier in the day, Oliver Marach of Austria and Mate Pavic of Croatia defeated the topseeded pair of Jamie Murray (Britain) and Bruno Soares (Brazil) 6-2, 6-7 to claim the doubles title.
"It feels great. It was a great week. We played good. It gives us a little confidence for the Australian Open," said Pavic about the triumph. The singles final on Saturday starts at 6pm.
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