“I prefer to play someone else” — Rublev reacts to Sinner Clash
Andrey Rublev battled back from a set and a break down to defeat Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2 and reach the quarterfinals of the Italian Open.
It is Rublev’s first Rome quarterfinal since 2021 and his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal appearance since Cincinnati last year.
When asked about facing Sinner, Rublev could not help but laugh.
“How many Masters in a row has he won already?” he asked.
After being told five, Rublev joked: “How many, 20 something matches in a row? He’s getting closer to losing. The more he wins the more he gets closer.”
Asked if he was excited for the challenge, Rublev gave another honest response.
“Uhhh I’m fine,” he said laughing. “If you ask me if I prefer to play someone else, of course I prefer to play someone else. But if I would like to challenge myself against Jannik, yes as well.”
Rublev’s comeback win showed plenty of fight after a difficult start, and now he faces one of the toughest tests in tennis against a Sinner who continues to dominate the ATP Tour.
