Rublev Comes From Behind Against Nava to Reach Mifel Tennis Open Semifinals

Russian Andrey Rublev, the top seed at the Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel Oppo, lived up to expectations and advanced to the semifinals of the ATP 250 tournament in Los Cabos, but not before enduring a demanding battle against American Emilio Nava, who pushed him to the limit for two hours and 20 minutes.

Rublev, currently world No. 10, managed to come back from a set down to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 and continue his quest for the title in his debut at this tournament.

The match started promisingly for Rublev, who quickly took a 4-1 lead, but Nava (ranked No. 123) showed character and recovered to level the score at 4-4. After both players held serve, Nava earned a decisive break in the eleventh game and then closed out the first set with authority, 7-5. In the second set, Rublev made errors and was broken early, allowing Nava to go up 3-1. However, the Russian held his own and reacted just in time: he broke in the eighth game, took emotional and physical control of the match, and took the set 6-4 after another break.

With improved physical condition and greater experience, Rublev dominated the final set, breaking in the second game to take a 4-1 lead and control his serve until the final 6-3. The Russian finished with 8 aces, 24 winners, and a mentality that sustained him in critical moments.

“I’m super happy because at one point I thought it was over. Emilio was doing everything better than me, but I tried to change my mentality, stay positive, and fight. I had an opportunity and I took it,” Rublev said after the match. Kovacevic Unpredictable Against Ficovich

In the other upper-draw tie, American Aleksandar Kovacevic (No. 76) imposed his influence and dispatched Argentine Juan Pablo Ficovich (No. 148) with a solid 6-3, 6-1 in just 80 minutes.

Ficovich, who had just earned the best win of his career against Quentin Halys in the round of 16, was unable to repeat the feat against a more assertive Kovacevic, with a faster pace and effectiveness in key moments. The Argentine looked tired and committed numerous unforced errors.

Kovacevic will now face Rublev in the semifinals, in a first-ever duel on the ATP Tour.

Information and photos courtesy of MIFEL TENNIS OPEN BY TELCEL OPPO