Halys stuns Rublev as Cilic sends De Minaur packing, Medvedev wins

Third seed Andrey Rublev suffered a stunning first-round loss to French qualifier Quentin Halys at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday.

Just days after claiming his 17th career title at the Qatar Open, the world No. 9 had barely enough time to savour his success before the sting of defeat was delivered by the relentless Halys at the Centre Court.

In a pulsating two hours and 12 minutes battle, the French defeated the 2022 champion 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) to register the biggest win of his career.

“I’m so happy with this victory,” said Halys in his post-match interview. “I played really well today. In the beginning, I was a bit nervous, but by the end, I felt pretty calm. The key was serving well, staying aggressive, and hitting some wonderful shots.”

Rublev started off well, claiming the first set with ease. The tide shifted in the second as the world No. 66 refused to back down against the Russian.

Halys dug deep and saved five break points in the decider before ultimately outlasting his rival. Next up for Halys is a clash with 2018 winner Roberto Bautista Agut. It was another bitter pill to swallow for Rublev as he was disqualified from the semi-final in Dubai last year for using obscene language in an angry tirade at a line umpire.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev battled through a tough encounter, securing a 6-4, 7-6(4) win over Jan-Lennard Struff to advance to the next round.

The world No. 6 and 2023 Dubai champion faced a fierce challenge, overcoming a challenging first set and finding himself on the ropes in the second.

Medvedev saved all four break points that came his way and staved off Struff’s relentless advances, maintaining his focus.

Second seed Alex de Minaur was sent packing in the first round by Marin Cilic, who triumphed in a captivating three-set battle. The 36-year-old Croatian veteran defeated World No. 8 from Australia 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in two hours and 18 minutes.

Cilic made a perfect start as he raced to a 4-0 lead after breaking De Minaur’s serve twice; it seemed the Australian’s challenge was all but vanquished. Though De Minaur mounted a brave rally, the damage had already been done, and Cilic’s early dominance was the crucial factor in clinching the opening set.

The second set saw a more determined De Minaur, who fought valiantly to hold his ground. In a tense eighth game, a well-timed break of serve shifted the momentum in his favor, allowing the 26-year-old to level the match and set up a decisive third set.

However, Cilic, unfazed by the setback, kept his composure throughout the final set. His clinical execution was on full display as he sealed the match with a powerful serve, followed by an exquisite volley that earned him match point and, ultimately, the win.

Cilic will next meet Alexei Popyrin, who had dispatched Hady Habib in straight sets on Monday.

“Last week I faced Carlos (Alcaraz) in Doha, and now Alex (de Minaur) here. Both are top 10 players, performing at an exceptional level. To compete with them and come through is a huge boost for me – it’s a clear sign that my game is in great shape,” said the world No. 187.

“It’s all about getting more matches under my belt to find my best form. I’m hopeful I can maintain this momentum moving forward,” he added.

Portugal’s Nuno Borges delivered a commanding performance, overwhelming eighth seed Arthur Fils with a 6-2, 6-1 victory in just 61 minutes.

From the beginning, Borges took control of the match, dictating play with precision and leaving little opportunity for Fils, the world No. 19 from France. Fils, who was making his long-awaited return to the court after an extended absence due to a left thigh injury, struggled to find his rhythm. Felix Auger-Aliassime triumphed in a thrilling battle against Alexander Bublik, securing a hard-fought 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 victory in a contest that stretched over an intense two hours and 51 minutes.

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor