Andrey Rublev’s comeback from two sets down against Arthur Rinderknech to reach the US Open third round is one for the ages, and it will surely be remembered for years to come. The sixth-seed Russian’s victory is even more impressive considering the **brutally hot conditions** at Flushing Meadows, where the temperature soared to 33C. It’s no wonder that a heat warning was in place in New York during the match, forcing both players to rely on ice packs and fans to try to cool down.
Things looked **bleak** for Rublev at the end of the second set, as he struggled both physically and mentally. However, he persevered and eventually managed to turn the match around, beating Rinderknech 4-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 6-2 in a thrilling encounter that lasted four hours and six minutes. Rublev’s exhaustion was evident when he celebrated the win by barely lifting his arms above his head.
Despite being visibly **drained**, Rublev stayed on court to sign autographs for the fans, which showcases his great sportsmanship. He will now face 32nd seed Jiri Lehecka in the next round, who also came back from two sets down to beat qualifier Mitchell Krueger.
Rublev’s Incredible Comeback
If there’s one thing that Andrey Rublev’s comeback against Arthur Rinderknech proved, it’s that the Russian tennis player has the **mental toughness** to overcome even the most daunting challenges on the court. Given the sweltering heat in New York, Rublev’s win was as much a testament to his physical endurance as it was to his mental strength.
It’s worth noting that Rublev’s struggles with heat and fatigue during the match were evident. At one point, he was heard telling the doctor that he had **”drunk too much”** and **”eaten too much”**, which left him feeling like he had a **”baby”** in his stomach. These comments demonstrate just how much Rublev was struggling to cope with the conditions.
Despite his exhaustion, Rublev found a way to dig deep and turn the match around. His ability to **adapt** to the changing conditions and his own physical state was truly impressive. Given his struggles at the Grand Slams in the past, it will be interesting to see how he fares in the next round against Jiri Lehecka.
How the Heat Affected the Match
The **sweltering heat** in New York City had a significant impact on the match between Andrey Rublev and Arthur Rinderknech. Both players were forced to take frequent breaks to cool down, using ice packs and fans to regulate their body temperatures. This heatwave was so severe that a heat warning was in place during the match, which isn’t common even in the heat of summer.
Given the conditions, it’s no wonder that Rublev and Rinderknech both struggled to maintain their energy levels throughout the match. Even the usually physical Rublev looked **exhausted** at times, which is a testament to the heat’s debilitating effects.
The Importance of Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential in any sport, but it’s especially crucial in tennis, where long matches can sometimes last for several hours. Rublev’s comments to the doctor about feeling like he had a **”baby”** in his stomach because he had **”drunk too much”** highlight the importance of proper hydration during matches.
Zverev Continues His Quest for a First Grand Slam Title
Alexander Zverev continued his search for a first Grand Slam title with a convincing 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 victory over Alexandre Muller. The 27-year-old German has reached the finals of several Grand Slam tournaments in the past, including the US Open in 2020 and the French Open earlier this year.
However, Zverev’s Grand Slam victories have been elusive, and he is still searching for his first title. Despite his inconsistencies at the Grand Slams, Zverev has enjoyed an excellent season so far, winning 54 singles matches, which is more than any other male player on the tour.
Zverev’s doubts about returning to the top level after suffering a serious ankle injury at the French Open in 2022 are well-documented. However, he has looked like his old self in recent tournaments and is confident that he can win his first Grand Slam title soon.
Overcoming Injury to Achieve Success
Zverev’s struggles with injury before returning to the top level of men’s tennis are a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Speaking after his win over Alexandre Muller, Zverev noted that the **”doubts”** he had about returning to the top level have vanished.
Zverev’s comments highlight the **mental struggle** that many tennis players face when they’re recovering from serious injuries. His journey back to the top is a testament to his strength and resilience, both on and off the court.
What’s Next for Zverev
With his win over Alexandre Muller, Zverev sets up a meeting with Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the next round. The German will be the favorite in this match, but Etcheverry is looking to cause an upset. Given Zverev’s recent form, he’s looking like a strong contender for the US Open title.
Other Notable Matches in the US Open
While Rublev’s comeback and Zverev’s win were the highlights of the day, there were several other notable matches in the US Open. Frances Tiafoe and Grigor Dimitrov were among the early winners on the third day, while defending champion Novak Djokovic is set to feature in the night session later on Wednesday.
Dimitrov was particularly impressive in his win over Australia’s Rinky Hijikata, dropping just eight games in a convincing 6-1 6-1 7-6 (7-4) victory. Tiafoe’s win over Alexander Shevchenko was also noteworthy, as he led 6-4 6-1 1-0 when the Kazakh retired with an injury.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect even more thrilling matches between some of the world’s top players. With the heatwave expected to continue, we might see even more impressive comebacks and stunning upsets.
One thing is for sure: this year’s US Open promises to be an exciting tournament that tennis fans won’t want to miss. With several top players already in the running, we’re set to see some incredible matches over the next few days.