The Russian youngster defeated Federer in straight sets- 6-3, 6-4 in a match that was concluded in just a little over an hour.
MASON, OHIO - AUGUST 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot to Andrey Rublev of Russia during Day 6 of the Western and Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 15, 2019 in Mason, Ohio. Rob Carr/Getty Images/AFP
Swiss Tennis veteran and seven-time Cincinnati Masters champion Roger Federer faced a stunning defeat against Andrey Rublev of Russia in his Round of 16 encounter and thus made an early exit from the competition.
The Russian youngster defeated Federer in straight sets- 6-3, 6-4 in a match that was concluded in just a little over an hour. This was the 21-year-old’s second top-five win in five months.
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Interestingly, this was the fastest defeat for Federer in more than a decade and a half. His previous quick defeat came way back in 2003 where he lost in 54 minutes against Franco Squillari.
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“He was super clean. Defence, offence, serving well. Didn’t give me anything. He was everywhere. It was tough for me, but an excellent match by him. I was impressed… I think I just have to play better overall to hang with him,” said Federer while praising Rublev.
Notably, this will be the first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final for Rublev.
Federer’s rival and defending champion Novak Djokovic cruised through the next round after defeating Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic will now meet Lucas Pouille in a match which will be a rematch of their Australian Open semi in January in which Djokovic registered a straight-set win.
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