The Rolex Paris Masters is currently underway and has been delightful so far. Tennis fans are in for a treat, as Novak Djokovic is set to lock horns with Andrey Rublev in the semifinal. Facing Novak is no easy feat, one that even Andrey agrees upon. However, he is confident he can rise to the occasion.
Djokovic is one of the modern-day greats of the sport. In his long career, Novak has broken and created new records along the way. Rublev has experienced Novak’s mastery firsthand and has had to contend with losses mostly. However, Andrey is also one of the few players who can boast of defeating the Big 3 of tennis, which includes Djokovic.
When Andrey was asked what he had learned from facing Novak, the Russian player gave a hilarious answer. Rublev joked that he did not learn anything because Novak defeated him in almost every matchup. “The four times he beat me, he beat me almost at zero,” answered Andrey truthfully.
Andrey Rublev was asked what he learned from playing Novak Djokovic:
“I didn’t learn. The 4 times he beat me, he beat me almost at 0. I didn’t learn anything, man.” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 4, 2023
Novak and Rublev’s recent encounter was in the quarterfinal of the Wimbledon championship this year. Djokovic defeated Rublev, even though the Russian claimed the opening set. The final scoreline of the match was 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3.
Novak Djokovic has been in tremendous form this year. He has notched up victories and will look to keep up his near-perfect hardcourt record this season.
Novak Djokovic vs. Andrey Rublev head-to-head and match preview
Djokovic became world number one again after winning the US Open, his 24th Grand Slam title. However, he has looked a little rusty in Paris. His stomach bug and a hostile crowd have not helped him either. Novak is used to it though, and a little hostility brings out the best in him.
The two have played against each other five times so far. Djokovic has won four of the five matchups against Rublev to date. Rublev’s only win against Novak came on a clay surface in Belgrade.
So far, Andrey has played very well. He defeated Yoshihito Nishioka, Botic van de Zandschulp, and Alex de Minaur to book a semifinal berth. Rublev will hope to get the better of Novak, who looked a little sluggish in his matches against Tallon Griekspoor and Holger Rune.
Fans have much to look forward to when Novak Djokovic takes on Andrey Rublev at the Bercy today. Rublev has a chance to get their head-to-head on a more even footing.
