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.
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.
“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.