HAMBURG
Andrey Rublev defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 7-5 in the final of the 2020 Hamburg European Open. It’s the Russian’s third title this year (second on tour behind Djokovic) and his 25th match win (also second behind Djokovic). It’s also his first title at the ATP 500 level, having previously failed last year in Hamburg (lost to Nikoloz Basilashvili).
The Russian had a faster start than his opponent, dominating the play on his impressive, powerful forehand. But as the match wore on, the second seed began regaining control and ultimately put himself in a winning position. Tsitsipas, who lost to Borna Coric at the US Open blowing six match points, led 5-3 in the deciding set. However, since that, the Greek was only able to win two points.
Tennis is a mental game
Instead of breathtaking rallies and great shot-making that we had witnessed throughout the match, the last four games featured a mishit galore from Tsitsipas. His backhand, which remained rather solid the whole match, was now barely capable of putting the ball in play. Down 15-40 at 5-6 down, the Greek missed the first serve down the T. Rublev looked very tense, clearly feeling that it was his chance to win it. But he didn’t even have to swing his racket for it, as Tsitipas’ second serve went long.
“Stefanos is one of the best players right now and he wins so many tournaments,” said the Russian following the match. “It was such a thriller”. Rublev also attributed the comeback to the mental side of tennis “I think that was a little bit mental. I think maybe Stefanos got a little disappointed inside that he didn’t make it and then at the end everything was so fast and I won.”
Looking forward
How much of a worrying sign this is for Tsitsipas coming into the Roland Garros? The Greek certainly left his mark on the event in Hamburg, winning four matches in great style. But especially when looking back to the Coric match, it is the second loss like that for the Greek in a month. He’s also facing a tough draw at Roland Garros with a potential meeting with Pablo Cuevas in the second and Filip Krajinovic in the third round. Today’s loss to Rublev also sees Tsitsipas drop down to a 1-7 win/loss record in finals over the ATP 250 level. His prior losses came at the hands of Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, and Thiem.
Rublev and Tsitsipas could play each other again in the quarterfinals of the French Open. But just as for the Greek, Rublev could also struggle to even get there. If the seeds hold up, that would require him to beat Dusan Lajovic and Daniil Medvedev. However, in this form, it seems like there aren’t many players that the Russian is afraid of. Both Tsitsipas and Rublev will play on Tuesday in Paris. The Greek opens against Spain’s Jaume Munar, while Rublev will take on Sam Querrey.
