Russian star Andrey Rublev has been in phenomenal form of late, especially at the Shanghai Masters. He set the bar for himself during the hardcourt swing, and he is only getting better. Rublev will square off against his good friend Grigor Dimitrov, who is also scripting a remarkable resurgence.
The Russian star defeated Ugo Humbert during their quarterfinal clash. They had locked horns in Beijing as well, where Humbert had defeated Rublev. However, Andrey had the perfect chance to avenge his loss, and he did, with Roger Federer in attendance.
With this win under his belt, Rublev set up a semifinal encounter against his good friend. Dimitrov himself looked in good touch, as he knocked out tournament favorite Carlos Alcaraz. When Andrey was asked for his opinion on the semifinal clash, he stated it would be tough to play against “His love.”
Andrey Rublev on facing Grigor Dimitrov next in Shanghai:
“It’s gonna be a really tough match against my love.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/tzcDmKGQpJ
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 13, 2023
Andrey and Grigor have developed an amazing bond over the years. Rublev’s comment was a callback to a lovely moment they had shared at the Monte Carlo Masters earlier this year.
Dimitrov and Rublev had spent the whole day shooting together. They then uploaded a short clip on social media, talking about what they had done. Andrey had interjected to say that they played tennis, after proclaiming his love for Grigor. “I almost fell in love with you,” said Rublev in the video.
Throwback to the moment Andrey Rublev declared his love for Grigor Dimitrov earlier this year.
Andrey: “I almost fell in love with you.” 😂
The bromance that keeps on giving.
Ladies & Gentleman, I give you your Shanghai Masters Semifinalists.
pic.twitter.com/Lvd9vvpJhL— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 13, 2023
Fans loved the little throwback to the wholesome moment between them. One user even brought up the prank Dimitrov played on Andrey and other players. Here are a few reactions.
Find someone to look at you like Andrey is looking at Grigor…
— Zoe (@ZzZ0z0z0z0z0) October 13, 2023
How can you not love both these guys? ☺️ Great friendship. Just love the prank @GrigorDimitrov pulled on Andrey and the guys.🤣
— Naseema (@naseemak27) October 13, 2023
Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov are evenly matched in the encounter, as each player has 3 wins from 6 matches. Their semifinal clash is one of the most highly anticipated ones.
Andrey Rublev vs. Grigor Dimitrov Shanghai Masters match preview
The Russian star has looked in great form in Shanghai so far. This is Andrey’s second Masters 1000 semifinal this year. The last time had been at Monte Carlo, which he had gone on to win. In order to repeat it, Andrey has to defeat Grigor Dimitrov.
So far, Andrey has not dropped a single set against any of his opponents. He overcame Adrian Mannarino, Tommy Paul, and last Ugo Humbert to get to the semifinals. Rublev had played against Humbert in Beijing, but he changed the outcome of the game this time.
Bromance on pause ⏸️#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/picCZ4WyLl
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 13, 2023
Dimitrov is enjoying a phenomenal run at the event as well. He knocked world number two Carlos Alcaraz, before defeating Nicolas Jarry in the quarterfinals.
Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov will play against each other for the seventh time in their careers. Whoever wins the match, will face off against Hubert Hurkacz in the final.