Alex de Minaur exacts revenge on Andrey Rublev at Rotterdam Open

Australia’s top ranked player Alex de Minaur has exacted his revenge on a rival in a blistering display on Saturday morning.

Alex de Minaur exacts his Aus Open revenge on Andrey Rublev. Picture: Mark Stewart

Alex de Minaur has exacted his Australian Open revenge on Andrey Rublev.

The top ranked Aussie player pulled off the shock win against his rival during a quarterfinal contest at the Rotterdam Open.

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In a tense three-set battle, it was the fifth seeded de Minaur who reigned supreme as he secured the 7-6, 4-6, 6-3 victory over the second seeded Rublev.

It’s sweet revenge for the world number 11 after he was bundled out of his home grand slam at the hands of Russian in the fourth round.

De Minaur had a foot in the door of a quarterfinal berth after leading two sets to one, but it was Rublev who proved far too strong as he tore the Aussie to shreds over the final two sets as he claimed the 6-4, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3, 6-0 win.

The win on Saturday morning (AEDT) advances de Minaur into the semi-finals where he’ll go up against sixth-seeded Grigor Dimitrov.

The Demon was too good on the day. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

De Minaur is hoping Dimitrov doesn’t once again ruin his birthday after he spoiled his day last year.

“I played him on my birthday, and he was rude enough to beat me when I was two match points up,” he said.

“I’m playing Grigor tomorrow (on Saturday), which will be my birthday again — so I’m hoping he’s a little bit nicer to me. We’ll see.”

A birthday battle beckons 🎈

De Minaur will face Dimitrov on his birthday tomorrow for the second year in a row…

Bring on this semi-final showdown 🍿 @abnamroopen | #abnamroopenpic.twitter.com/l21H6sa54T

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 16, 2024

The Aussie knew he had to just go all out against his Russian opponent in a bid to counter his power and weapons.

“I kept telling myself to be brave and go after it, because ultimately I can’t just run around against Andrey,” de Minaur said.

“Andrey’s got too much power, too many weapons, and he’ll just dictate me from one side to the other.

“So if I want to be effective against Andrey, I’ve got to back myself, I’ve got to try to be aggressive and hit the ball flatter and bigger than I normally do. In big moments, I played great — and it got me the win today.”

The second semi-final will see Tallon Grekspoor take on Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner after his quarterfinal came to an early end when Milos Raonic retired in the second set.