Monte Carlo Masters: Rublev downs Struff to reach semifinals

Monte Carlo Masters: Rublev lost the first game on his serve before bagging six in a row in a quick opening set, but Struff, the world number 100, found his stride in the second as the fifth seed showed signs of nerves.

Andrey Rublev, of Russia, reacts after defeating Jan-Lennard Struff, of Germany, 6/1, 7/6, in their Monte Carlo Tennis Masters quarterfinals. | Photo Credit: AP

Russian Andrey Rublev overcame some second-set nerves to dispatch German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff and reach the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-1 7-6(5) victory on Friday.

Rublev lost the first game on his serve before bagging six in a row in a quick opening set, but Struff, the world number 100, found his stride in the second as the fifth seed showed signs of nerves.

Rublev broke for 4-3, only for Struff to break back in the following game and force a tiebreak, in which the Russian regained his composure to prevail on his second match point.

He will face either American Taylor Fritz or defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place on Sunday’s final.