Andrey Rublev advanced to the semi-finals of the Qatar Open on February 19, 2026, after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 in the quarter-final at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha. Rublev controlled the opening set and held firm in a tense second-set tiebreak to seal a decisive victory.
Match Summary
Rublev started with aggressive baseline play, applying early pressure on Tsitsipas’ serve. A break in the fourth game of the first set gave Rublev the advantage, and he maintained composure to close the set 6-3.
In the second set, Tsitsipas improved his first-serve percentage and extended rallies, forcing Rublev into longer exchanges. Both players held serve consistently, pushing the set into a tiebreak.
Rublev delivered a focused performance in the breaker, striking clean forehand winners and minimizing unforced errors. He secured the tiebreak to complete the match in straight sets.
Key Performances
Andrey Rublev
- Won 6-3, 7-6
- One break of serve in first set
- Strong forehand accuracy in tiebreak
Rublev displayed control and clarity during key moments, particularly under pressure in the second set.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Competitive second set
- Improved serving rhythm
- Extended baseline rallies
Tsitsipas showed resilience but could not convert opportunities in the crucial tiebreak phase.
Turning Point of the Match
The turning point came in the second-set tiebreak when Rublev secured consecutive points on serve to gain momentum. That sequence shifted control decisively and prevented the match from extending to a third set.
Full Scorecard / Key Statistics
Quarter-final – Centre Court
- Andrey Rublev def. Stefanos Tsitsipas: 6-3, 7-6
- Sets played: 2
- One tiebreak contested
- Breaks of serve: Rublev (1)
Match Result: Andrey Rublev won in straight sets.
What This Means
Rublev moves into the semi-finals with strong momentum and confidence. His disciplined serving and decisive shot-making underline consistent form in Doha.
Tsitsipas exits after a competitive quarter-final that demonstrated intensity but lacked critical conversion in pivotal moments.
What’s Next
The Qatar Open semi-finals will determine the finalists for the 2026 championship. Rublev will aim to maintain his composed form in the next round.
Editorial & Sources
Editorial Entity: The Sports Corner
Newsroom Identity: Independent sports newsroom based in Mumbai, India
Author: Verified Staff Reporter – Tennis Desk
Reporting Footprint: Match results compiled from official tournament scoreboard and verified ATP Tour updates.
External Authority Sources:
- Official Qatar Open results page
- Verified ATP Tour match centre
Editorial Policy: Reporting is based strictly on confirmed official match results and tournament data. No speculative commentary is included.
Corrections Policy: Any factual inaccuracies identified after publication are corrected promptly with transparent updates.