Vesely and Rublev secure Dubai Final Berths After Thrilling Semifinals
The Dubai ATP tournament witnessed two captivating semifinal clashes, culminating in a final showdown between Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely and Russian second seed Andrey Rublev.
Vesely, currently ranked 123rd in the world, continued his remarkable run in Dubai, overcoming canadian Denis Shapovalov in a grueling three-hour battle. The 28-year-old Czech had to dig deep, winning three tiebreakers to secure a 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/3) victory. This unexpected triumph adds another chapter to Vesely’s fairytale week, having started the tournament from the qualifying rounds.
Meanwhile,Rublev faced a stern test from Polish eleventh seed Hubert Hurkacz.The Russian ultimately prevailed after a hard-fought 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) victory in 2 hours and 23 minutes. This win extends Rublev’s extraordinary form, solidifying his position as a top contender for the title.
From Qualifier to Contender: An Exclusive Interview with Daniela Hantuchová on Vesely’s Dubai Dream
Jiri Vesely’s remarkable journey from qualifier to finalist in Dubai has captivated the tennis world. To unpack this unexpected feat, we sat down with former World No. 5 and Grand Slam semifinalist Daniela Hantuchová.
Moderator: Daniela, Vesely produced a truly gritty performance against Shapovalov.Three tiebreaker wins in a match that lasted over three hours! What impressed you most about his performance?
Daniela Hantuchová: What impressed me most was Vesely’s unwavering mental fortitude. To come through three tiebreakers against a player like Shapovalov, who is known for his aggressive baseline game and big serves, takes incredible focus and composure.Vesely never gave up, fought for every point, and deservedly earned his place in the final.
Moderator: Absolutely! This run has been a fairytale for Vesely. He started from the qualifying rounds. Do you think his ranking of 123 in the world accurately reflects his true potential?
Daniela hantuchová: Rankings can be deceptive. They’re a snapshot in time and don’t always tell the whole story. Vesely has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career,and this week in Dubai,he’s put it all together. He’s clearly playing with confidence, hitting his spots well, and trusting his instincts.
Moderator: Now, let’s talk about Rublev. He’s looking incredibly strong this year. His match against Hurkacz was another closely contested battle. How do you see this final shaping up?
Daniela Hantuchová: Rublev is a formidable opponent. He’s got power, consistency, and a fantastic all-court game. He’ll be the clear favorite going into the final. However, Vesely’s riding a wave of momentum, and anything is possible in a final. It all comes down to who handles the pressure better on the day.
Moderator: Do you think Vesely can pull off another upset and claim the title?
Daniela Hantuchová: It’s a big ask, but I wouldn’t count him out. If he can maintain the same level of focus and intensity he showed against Shapovalov, he’ll have a chance. This is a great possibility for him to make a statement and prove he belongs at the top of the game.
Moderator:
Well saeid Daniela. It truly seems like we’re in for a thrilling final!
Readers, what are your predictions for the Dubai final? Can Vesely continue his Cinderella run, or will Rublev’s power and consistency prevail? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
