In one of the most enthralling matches of this year's competition, Andrey Rublev registered a stunning victory over Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan on July 9 (Sunday) in front of expectant fans inside Centre Court. The high-drama Wilbledone Round 4 match lasted for three hours and 17 minutes before Rublev secured a thrilling 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-7 (5-7), 6-4 win over his opponent.
The match produced several moments when fans were forced to get off their seats, stand on their feet and applaud the sensational brand of tennis that was on display by both the players. The most magical moment came during the last game of the match when Rublev was serving to secure a win.
Leading 30-15 on serve to close Bublik, Rublev unleashed a variation-laden serve to his opponent's backhand. Rublev looked in complete control for the first three/four shots where he made Bublik work for every return. The Kazakhstan player then ripped a ferocious backhand down the line, which by the way, appeared as a sure-shot winner. But Rublev reached out in his pocket and produced a magical shot. Rublev dived on the grass and hit the winner.
Bublik's reaction said it all. He was stunned as if he had seen a ghost, He couldn't move, his legs will firmly perched on the grass and his eyes stared at Rublev. He was awe-struck. The crowd hollered louder than they had throughout the day and even the commentators couldn't keep calm after watching Rublev's stunner.
Watch the video here:
Bublik ended up losing the contest despite hitting more winners than Rublev. The Kazakhstan player hit 67 winners compared to Rublev's 53 but it was the count of unforced errors that ultimately played a significant role. Bublik made 52 unforced errors, 31 more than his opponent who made just 21 unforced errors.Â
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