Mackenzie McDonald stuns Rublev in Toronto, makes last 16

Mackenzie McDonald beat Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-3 on Wednesday evening. He’ll face the winner of the match between Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel and Canadian wildcard Milos Raonic in the next round

Mackenzie McDonald Zhuhai Open 2023 (Action Plus/Panoramic)

Tennis Majors

August 9, 2023

National Bank Open presented by Rogers •Third round • completed

See draw

A. RublevvsM. McDonald

American Mackenzie McDonald powered past sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev, 6-4, 6-3, on Wednesday at the Aviva Centre in Toronto to reach the round of 16.

McDonald, ranked No 59, earns his fourth career top 10 win – three have come this season.

The American improves to 2-1 lifetime against Rublev, as he achieves a relatively uncomplicated victory in one hour and 26 minutes. He saved both break points he faced and converted three breaks from seven opportunities.

“I think playing Andrey, I feel like I can handle pace pretty well,” McDonald said. “He hammers the ball, especially with his forehand, and I like to do the same. So I was able to manage that. … for me it was more about placing the ball, maybe to the backhand corner – obviously he has a massive forehand so you don’t want to just funnel it there.”

Magnificent Mackie 🌟

The American takes down no. 6 seed Rublev in straight sets to reach R3!#NBO23 pic.twitter.com/a5d2eeVHPA
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 9, 2023

The former NCAA champion at UCLA will play the winner of the match between Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel and Canadian wildcard Milos Raonic next.

The loss marks Rublev’s first match on hard court since Miami – he drops to 13-9 overall on the surface in 2023. Rublev played clay court events at Bastad (won title) and Hamburg (lost in round of 16) after Wimbledon.

Menu

Mackenzie McDonald stuns Rublev in Toronto, makes last 16

People in this post

Andrey Rublev