Dubai Open: Defending champion Rublev advances to last four; plays Zverev next

Russian Andrey Rublev, the second seed, advanced to the semi-finals of the Dubai Open by winning against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 7-6 (3) at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre on Thursday.

Rublev, ranked No 6, will play German Alexander Zverev, the No 7 seed, next.

Ahead of his victory, the Russian defeated Serb Filip Krajinovic (7-5, 6-2) and edged out Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (1-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3)), saving five match points before scrambling through.

Van De Zandschulp, ranked No 33, beat Russian Karen Khachanov, the No 6 seed (7-5, 6-2) and Swede Mikael Ymer (3-6, 6-3, 6-3) earlier in the tournament.

Dubai ATP500, other last eight results (Aviation Club Tennis Centre, hard, USD 2.855.495, most recent results first):

• Daniil Medvedev vs. Borna Coric
• Novak Djokovic vs. Hubert Hurkacz
• Alexander Zverev beat Lorenzo Sonego: 7-5, 6-4