Rublev crashes out of Monte Carlo Masters in second round

Defending champion Andrey Rublev was ousted from the Monte Carlo Masters in a straight-set defeat of 6-4, 6-4 by Australian Alexei Popyrin on Wednesday.

Popyrin secured an early break in the third game of the first set, but Rublev responded by breaking back to take a 3-1 lead in the second set. However, Popyrin quickly retaliated with another break, leveling the score. A crucial break in the ninth game allowed Popyrin to lead 5-4, and he maintained his composure to hold serve and advance to the third round for the first time. Rublev, the Russian fifth seed, had received a bye into the second round.

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Reflecting on his strategy, Popyrin emphasized the importance of disrupting Rublev’s rhythm, stating, “The idea was not to give him the same ball.” He acknowledged Rublev’s prowess from the baseline and aimed to vary the pace, height, and spin of his shots, which proved effective in securing the victory.

Popyrin is set to face compatriot Alex de Minaur in the next round after the 11th seed defeated Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in a hard-fought battle of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.