Rublev Survives Scare to Advance at Roland Garros

Andrey Rublev, the sixth seed at Roland Garros 2024, faced an unexpected challenge in his first-round match against Taro Daniel. Despite cruising through the opening set in just 28 minutes, Rublev found himself trailing in the second set after Daniel took it in a tiebreaker. The Russian's frustration grew as Daniel broke serve to start the third set, but Rublev regrouped and won six of the last eight games to regain the lead.

The conditions on Court Simonne-Mathieu were not ideal, with the sun and clouds alternating and some wind thrown in for good measure. Rublev admitted that it was "not easy to play in" and that it was "tough." However, he managed to keep his emotions in check and avoid the irritation that has sometimes plagued him in the past.

Rublev's focus, firepower, and finesse were on display as he pressured Daniel throughout the beginning of the fourth set. However, Daniel refused to go away, holding serve and nerve to 5-5. Rublev double faulted at 15-all and couldn't handle a scorching service return, putting himself in danger of being forced into a fifth set.

But Rublev showed his resilience, winning the next three points with an unreturned serve, a cross-court forehand winner, and a slice backhand that grazed the line. He broke Daniel's serve and then served out the match to secure a 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-5 victory.

"Of course, I feel a bit relieved that the match was over in four sets," Rublev said. "But still I had a feeling during the match that was giving me some confidence."

Rublev's ability to end the match in four sets should inspire confidence in those who believe he can go deep in this year's Roland Garros. He admitted that he has sometimes struggled to focus on the task at hand, but he is determined to change that mindset.

"All the Slams, I've been thinking too much about upcoming matches, about draws, about who I have in my draws," Rublev said. "...I'm tired of it."

Rublev's victory was a reminder that even the top players can face challenges in the early rounds of a Grand Slam. But it also showed that Rublev has the mental and physical toughness to overcome those challenges and make a deep run in the tournament.

Tags: #RolandGarros, #AndreyRublev, #TaroDaniel, #Tennis, #GrandSlam