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SportsRublev overcomes adaptation difficulties, sweeps into Estoril Open quarterfinals
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Andrey Rublev, the top seed and world No. 14, defeated Kazakhstan's Timofey Skatov 6-1, 6-1 in 59 minutes to advance to the quarterfinals of the Estoril Open. Rublev admitted he struggled initially to adapt to the windy, high-bouncing conditions at the Estoril Tennis Club, which differed greatly from the Bastad tournament where he won his 18th title. He noted the ball bounced high, requiring shots above the head, unlike the waist-level play in Bastad. Rublev will next face Frenchman Luca van Assche, who eliminated former champion Pablo Carreño Busta. Rublev emphasized his goal is to enjoy and live life, not necessarily to win consecutive tournaments.
Source report
Cascais, Portugal — Top seed Andrey Rublev admitted Thursday that he faced difficulties adapting to the conditions at the Estoril Open, but expressed satisfaction after defeating Kazakhstan's Timofey Skatov to advance to the quarterfinals.
The world No. 14, who received a first-round bye, dispatched 'lucky loser' Skatov (ATP 163) 6-1, 6-1 in just 59 minutes.
Adjusting to Different Conditions
"To be honest, I didn't feel very good at the start, because the conditions are very different from those in Bastad," Rublev said. "The first games were tough, difficult. I broke in a tough game, with several advantages, then he broke me back in a game also with many advantages. Then, when I broke him again, I gradually started to feel the conditions, and the further we went into the match, the better I felt. For a first round, I didn't play badly."
The Russian, who arrives in Estoril after winning his 18th career title in Bastad, noted stark differences between the two venues.
"That week there was no wind, it wasn't as hot, the bounces were more normal, not as high, and we hit the ball at waist level," he explained. "Here it bounces a lot, we have to hit often above the head, it's not easy to control, I need to adapt."
Next Opponent: Luca van Assche
In the quarterfinals, Rublev will face Frenchman Luca van Assche (world No. 78), who eliminated Spain's Pablo Carreño Busta — the 2017 Estoril Open champion — 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 on Thursday.
"We played once in Washington a few years ago. I don't know much, I think he has a good backhand, from what I remember," Rublev said. "We'll see tomorrow [Friday]. I have to prepare. When players have nothing to lose, that's when they play their best tennis. I don't know how many quarterfinals he's been in. It's an excellent result for him to already be in the quarterfinals, so he has nothing to lose tomorrow. He'll give it his all, and I have to be prepared for that."
Mindset and Goals
The former world No. 5, who holds 18 ATP titles, said he feels "very good and improving." While he has won tournaments in consecutive weeks before, he stressed that is not his primary focus in Estoril.
"I've done it a few times in my career, but that's not the goal; the goal is to enjoy, to live life, and then everything else follows," he stated.
Source
RecordWestern
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Rublev Overcomes Adaptation Difficulties to Win at Estoril Open