Dubai Duty Free Tennis: Defending champion Rublev to meet old foe Zverev in semifinals

Rublev sees off Botic van de Zandschulp, while Zverev dispatches Lorenzo Sonego in the quarterfinals on Thursday

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Andrey Rublev of Russia celebrates after winning the quarterfinals against Botic van de Zandschulp of Netherlands during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Thursday. — Photo by M. Sajjad

by Leslie Wilson Jr

Published: Thu 2 Mar 2023, 8:18 PM

Defending champion Andrey Rublev moved into the semifinals of the 31st Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships with a largely undemanding 6-3, 7-6 victory against Botic Van De Zandschulp on Thursday.

Joining the World No.5 in the last four of the ATP500 Tournament was seventh-seeded Alexander Zverev, who dispatched part-time rapper and world No.67 Lorenzo Sonego 7-5, 6-4.

If he hopes to retain the title he won 12 months ago, Rublev will need to set the record straight and defeat Zverev, who he has never beaten in five previous encounters.

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"I need to play good tennis, to stay aggressive,” said the Russian. “He's a top player. It will be about all the little details."

Zverev, who tore ligaments in his right ankle, has reached the last four stage of a tournament for the first time since the French Open.

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Leslie Wilson Jr

Published: Thu 2 Mar 2023, 8:18 PM

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