As the Last Surviving Top Dog at the Shanghai Masters, Can Andrey Rublev Capitalize Like Roger Federer Did 17 Years Ago in Toronto?

The Trans-Siberian Express looks for a trial run on the tracks of FedExpress at Shanghai Masters. In an incredible ride at the Shanghai Masters, the 25-year-old tennis player from Russia, Andrey Rublev now looks to cement his name beside Roger Federer in a unique record. As the last surviving Top 10 player in the men’s singles draw, will the fifth-seeded player be able to etch his name in the history books?

The world number 7 recently defeated American tennis player Tommy Paul with a comfortable 7-5, 7-5 scoreline. With this win, Rublev has now reached the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters – his fourth quarterfinals appearance in 2023 after advancing deep into the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open earlier this year. He will now face Ugo Humbert of France in the next round. Can he end this trip to China on a high note?

Andrey Rublev looks to engrave his name beside The GOAT

After breezing through to the quarterfinals in style with his signature ‘Bweh‘ grunting, Rublev becomes the only top 10 seed remaining in the tournament. This is only the second time at the ATP Masters 1000 event on the hard court where only one among the top 10 has reached the QF. Roger Federer did it first in 2006 in Toronto and would later on clinch the Rogers Cup title. Will it be the same feat be repeated here too?

In 2006, Roger Federer defeated Richard Gasquet of France (2-6,6-3,6-2) in the finals to lift the trophy at the event for a second time. It was the Swiss Maestro’s 6th title and 3rd Masters title of the year, and 40th overall. It was a great year that time after a dominating performance throughout the season.

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The Russian has been playing quite good tennis this year but to achieve this unique record would be an even greater accomplishment. However, the journey won’t be easy for Rublev as two prolific youngsters, Ben Shelton and Sebastian Korda from America are still alive in the tournament. But before all that, Rublev must emerge all guns blazing against his victor from a few weeks ago.

Rublev looks to settle the score with Humbert

Just a few weeks ago, Ugo Humbert defeated Andrey Rublev at the China Open. Once, again the number 7 faces the number 34 at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai on October 13. Will he be able to get his revenge on the Frenchman? We’ll have to wait to see that.

However, the highest seed active in the tournament has the upper hand with a 2-1 margin over their previous clashes. With the agility of Rublev and being one of the hardest hitters and biggest servers on the Tour, it will be interesting to see how Humbert counters back.

Having been brought up in an environment where both parents were involved in sports, handling pressure won’t be difficult for the 25-year-old Russian against the similar-aged Frenchman. However, to parallel with one of the greatest the sport has ever produced is a completely different feat. Will Rublev manage to create history by winning the silverware in Shanghai? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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