Top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime rallies from 1-4 down to reach last eight, while second seed Alexander Bublik exits in straight-set upset.
Dubai: Andrey Rublev emerged victorious from a clash between two former champions, defeating Ugo Humbert of France 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 to secure his place in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Wednesday.
Rublev, who claimed the Dubai title in 2022, held firm against a determined challenge from Humbert—the 2024 champion—to extend his strong run of form. The Russian reached the semifinals in Doha last week and continues to build momentum on the ATP tour.
Auger-Aliassime Fights Back
Top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada survived a shaky start to dispatch French qualifier Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. The Canadian found himself trailing 1-4 in the opening set before regrouping to break the big-serving qualifier’s rhythm.
In the quarterfinals, Auger-Aliassime will meet Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka, who defeated Spain’s Pablo Carreño Busta 7-6 (8/6), 6-4.
Bublik Stunned as Menšík Cruises
Second seed Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan suffered a surprising defeat, falling 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands. Griekspoor will next face sixth seed Jakub Menšík after the 20-year-old Czech rising star delivered a dominant performance, brushing aside Alexei Popyrin of Australia 6-3, 6-2.
Rinderknech Ousts Draper in Thriller
In the final match of the night, British fourth seed Jack Draper was eliminated by France’s Arthur Rinderknech following an engrossing three-set battle. Rinderknech prevailed 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 to set up a quarterfinal showdown with Rublev.
