Finland’s tennis star Otto Virtanen narrowly missed a major upset at the US Open after losing a five-set battle to world No. 24 Andrey Rublev in the first round.
Virtanen, ranked 109th in the world, won the opening two sets in tiebreaks and moved within reach of a shock victory. However, Rublev fought back to win 6–7, 6–7, 6–0, 6–2, 7–6 after three hours and 41 minutes.
Virtanen made a dream start
Virtanen entered the US Open main draw through a fortunate route after Croatia’s Marin Cilic withdrew from the tournament. The Finnish player had previously been forced to retire from his third-round qualifying match because of a back problem.
Against Rublev, Virtanen produced an inconsistent but dangerous performance in the opening set. Precise and controlled shots were often followed by errors that sailed long or wide.
After holding serve with difficulty, Virtanen broke Rublev in the next game. His best tennis came when Rublev was serving for the set at 5–4. With his back against the wall, Virtanen found a series of outstanding shots and broke back.
The set went to a tiebreak, which Virtanen won 7–5 with a service winner on set point. Both players hit five aces in the opening set.
Two-set lead for the Finnish qualifier
Rublev handled his service games more convincingly in the second set, while Virtanen repeatedly found himself under pressure. Rublev eventually broke in Virtanen’s final service game of the set and had three set points at 6–5.
Virtanen saved all three with exceptionally strong play. In the tiebreak, he took Rublev’s first serve and followed it with two aces. When Rublev’s next shots also flew long, the Russian lost his temper, kicked a ball in frustration, gestured with his arms and complained as the tight margins continued to favor Virtanen.
Virtanen completed a dominant 7–0 tiebreak and again finished the set with a service winner.
Rublev turns the match around
Virtanen immediately lost serve in the third set. He earned two break points in Rublev’s next service game but could not convert them. After losing serve again, the set quickly slipped away from the Finn.
Virtanen appeared to conserve energy and focus for the fourth set, allowing Rublev to take an easy 6–0 victory. Virtanen won only 10 points in the set.
Virtanen started the fourth set more positively and held his opening service game. He then lost his second service game and was forced to chase the match once again. A further break followed, and Rublev closed out the set 6–2. Virtanen won just 13 points in the set.
Rublev prevails in another tiebreak
The deciding set began much better for Virtanen. He held serve comfortably for the first time since the start of the second set, with his previously misfiring first serve also returning.
Virtanen’s patience earned him two break points in Rublev’s second service game, but he could not secure the crucial break. Neither player was broken in the final set, and the match was decided by another tiebreak.
Virtanen had a match point in Rublev’s final service game, but his shot landed long. In the tiebreak, Virtanen immediately lost his own serve and surrendered it again shortly afterward. Rublev won the tiebreak 10–5.
Virtanen appeared to be suffering from a cramp in his left thigh during the decisive moments.
Rublev the established favorite
Rublev, 28, reached a career-high ranking of fifth in 2021. He has won 18 ATP titles and earned more than $34 million in prize money.
Virtanen’s best ranking came in 2024, when he reached No. 91. He has yet to win an ATP tournament, while his career prize money totals approximately $1.7 million.
Source: www.is.fi
