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Sunday, january 12, 2020 Qatar Open: Rublev roars past Moutet to fulfil Doha dream

Russia’s (third right) receives the trophy from the Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, at the presentation ceremony after winning the Qatar ExxonMobil Open title against ’s Corentin Moutet 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) in Doha, on Saturday. (PICS: Mahmoud Hefnawy) Russian wins only two of the 11 matches he’s ond set and broke Moutet again the At 6-3, Rublev forced Moutet absorbing final played thus far. He is now the in the second game, and run up a into playing a return into the net and third-youngest champion in tour- ditto 3-0 lead. it was all over for the Frenchman. to claim his first It’s amazing. I’m always really nament history, only trailing Andy It was action repeat from A thrilled Rublev then let off a Falcon Trophy happy to play here. I always Murray (2008-2009). He also Moutet, though this time he chose big scream to celebrate his triumph. ranking joins Nikolay Dayvdenko (2010) to bite the ball in frustration. Next Despite the loss, Moutet has shoot into enjoy my time here and to as the only Russians to prevail at he hit a ball into the stands inviting plenty of positives to take from this Vinay Nayudu the top-20 finally win the title is this event. a warning from the umpire. week. The French qualifier ousted Doha on Monday. something special for me. With the finalists having to Down at 2-4, Moutet threw his fourth-seeded Raonic and top-seed- Moutet play both of their respective quar- racquet in disgust inviting a code ed Swiss en route to What Andrey Rublev couldn’t got 150 It’s a doubly amazing ter-finals and semis on the same violation. clinching his first ATP Tour final achieve in 2018, he did it in 2020 – points and start to the season for day (Friday) as rain forced chang- While all this brought up the appearance. and in style! $126,160 be- es in schedule, were both fresh nervy temperament of the 20-year- “Unfortunately, I couldn’t win The 22-year-old Russian quelled sides the run- me and I hope I can and eager on a day of clear skies, old, there was a bright side too. The tonight because the opponent was the challenge of his two years jun- ners-up plate. keep this level. lot of breeze and finger-gripping left-handed Moutet was crafty, un- too good. But I will remember this ior Corentin Moutet from France to Thrilled at chill.Nothing seemed to deter orthodox, deceptive and intelligent all my life,” Moutet said. clinch the coveted Qatar ExxonMo- having finally – Qatar ExxonMobil 2020 them though, and Rublev in par- in his strokeplay. Also, Moutet will crack the top bil Open title and lift the glittering achieved what winner Andrey Rublev ticular as he made a racy charge He did keep Rublev guessing and 75 in rankings for the first time. Falcon Trophy at the Khalifa Inter- he could not breaking Moutet’s serve first up. was rewarded with a hard-earned Rublev, who has also ex- national & Squash Complex two seasons ago Rublev led 3-0 in just nine min- break back in the eighth game. celled defeating the likes of Roger on Saturday. when he lost to always enjoy utes of play. At 4-all, the threat of Moutet Federer, and Rublev won the exhilarating Frenchman Gael my time here Moutet then engaged in a 33- making a magical comeback Nick Kyrgios last season, will look final on a cool and breezy evening Monfils in the and to finally win shot long rally with Rublev and seemed possible. Afterall, the young to continue his good work at the 6-2, 7-6 (3) in an hour and 26 min- final, Rublev the title is some- managed to hold serve. player had defeated the third-seed- year’s first in Australia utes for his first Doha and his third was a picture thing special for Rublev, however, kept press- ed Canadian in the from January 20th. ATP Tour title. of delight. me,” he said. ing and this led to frustration for quarter-final winning two dramatic “There is still much to work on, The Russian received the trophy “It’s “It’s a doubly amaz- Moutet who kicked his racquet mid- tie-breaks. but I’m happy to become a Top 20 from HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad amazing. ing start to the season for way while trailing 2-4. He couldn’t The tie-break against Rublev, player,” he said. al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic I’m always me and I hope I can keep snatch the game, and in the next however, saw Moutet failing to “I think this is a good part of me, Committee. really this level,” he added. Rublev broke with ease to make it take control. Rublev led 4-0 before that I still have a lot of space to im- The Russian also won $227,930 happy Rublev has always been 6-2 in just 31 minutes. Moutet could pick his first point, prove. I want to try to arrive to my in prize and earned 250 FedEx ATP to play in love with Doha since his It was then deja vu as Rublev and by the time it was 2 for Moutet, maximum and then we’ll see what’s Rankings points which will see his here. I debut tournament and has lost won the opening game of the sec- Rublev had run to 6. going to happen.” QTF SG offers condolences to Oman, thanks all for Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020’s success

Tribune News Network are with our friends in Oman the other sponsors. more top players in the next Doha in this moment of grief,” said “Out thanks also to all the edition. Zainal. media and also the spectators, “We shall have more play- The Qatar Tennis, Squash and The Secretary-General, who came out in large num- ers participating at t Qatar Badminton Federation (QTS- meanwhile, thanked the vari- bers for the final,” said Zainal. ExxonMobil Open next year. BF) Secretary-General Tariq ous committees, sponsors, me- “I believe without all the We are in talks with the ATP Zainal extended condolences dia and spectators for making support and preparations over the past one and a half on the federation’s behalf to the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 from various committees of years about the tournament’s people of Oman on the passing another big success. the Organizing Committee we dates but the calendar doesn’t away of Sultan Qaboos bin Said “I would like to thank all couldn’t have reached this suc- change every year, it changes al Said on Saturday. committees, all the members cess which has seen us win the every three to four years. So, “We are mourning the who worked very hard to make ATP trophy for being the best we shall hopefully find a solu- passing away of Oman’s Sul- the tournament another great 250 tournament three times in tion soon,” he said. tan Qaboos bin Said al Said. I success. five years,” he added. Mohammad al Subaei, extend my condolences to all “Also, the Qatar Tennis Tournament Director Ka- Head of Media Committee for Omani people and the Govern- Federation would like to thank rim Alami praised the good Qatar ExxonMobil Open, also Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) Secretary-General Tariq Zainal (centre) addresses ment of Oman. All members ExxonMobil Qatar for their effort of all at QTF and said expressed his thanks to all for the media after the final match of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 at the Khalifa International Tennis & of the Organizing Committee continued support as also all the Doha tournament will see their support. Squash Complex in Doha on Saturday.