Carlos Alcaraz, world number 2, defeated Andrey Rublev, ranked 11th in the ATP, by 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, in a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 on the P&G Center Court in Mason, Ohio, on August 15, 2025. The match, lasting 2 hours and 17 minutes, was marked by intensity and high technical quality, with Alcaraz overcoming the Russian in a closely contested third set. Broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+ in Brazil, the match solidified the Spaniard’s campaign as he aims for his first Cincinnati title and prepares for the US Open. Alcaraz, who has now beaten Rublev in three of their four previous encounters, showcased versatility and resilience to secure a semifinal spot.
The match began with Alcaraz dictating the pace, using his speed and tactical variations to control the first set. Rublev, known for his powerful forehand, fought back in the second set, forcing errors from the Spaniard to level the score. The decisive third set was a test of endurance, with both players saving break points until Alcaraz capitalized on a Rublev double fault to clinch the victory.
SEMIS! 🙌🏻🔥 pic.twitter.com/XorEBZzQp9— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) August 15, 2025
Match stats:
Alcaraz won 75% of first-serve points, compared to Rublev’s 73%.
The Spaniard converted 4 of 6 break points, while Rublev converted 2 of 2.
Alcaraz scored 92 total points, against Rublev’s 89.
Alcaraz won 29 points on Rublev’s serve.
A packed P&G Center Court watched the clash, which followed women’s matches like Swiatek vs. Kalinskaya and Sabalenka vs. Rybakina. The victory positions Alcaraz as a top contender for the title, while Rublev, despite the loss, showed competitiveness on hard courts.
Alcaraz’s tournament performance
Carlos Alcaraz, 22, reached the quarterfinals with solid wins over Damir Dzumhur (6-1, 2-6, 6-3), Hamad Medjedovic (6-4, 6-4), and Luca Nardi (6-1, 6-4). The Spaniard, a 2023 Cincinnati finalist, has shown consistency on hard courts, with a 76% win rate on the surface in 2025. His campaign reflects his preparation for the US Open, where he is a leading title contender. Alcaraz, with five Grand Slam titles, including Roland Garros 2024 and 2025, used his speed and tactical variations, like slices and drop shots, to unsettle opponents.
The win over Rublev marked Alcaraz’s 17th victory against top-20 players this season, reinforcing his dominance. He converted crucial break points and stayed composed under pressure, particularly in the third set, when Rublev threatened a comeback. His serving efficiency, with 62% first serves and 75% points won, was key to the result.
Rublev’s resilience on hard courts
Andrey Rublev, 27, reached the quarterfinals after defeating Learner Tien (7-6, 6-3), Fran Comesaña (6-2, 6-3), and Alexei Popyrin (6-7, 7-6, 7-5). The Russian, a 2021 Cincinnati finalist, showed resilience in tight matches, particularly against Popyrin, where he saved break points in decisive sets. Despite the loss to Alcaraz, Rublev maintained an aggressive game, with 11 aces and 73% first-serve point efficiency.
Rublev’s highlights:
Powerful forehand, generating 29 points on Alcaraz’s serve.
Strong response, winning the second set after dropping the first.
Consistency in long rallies, challenging Alcaraz’s defense.
Physical fatigue, impacting the third set due to high temperatures.
Rublev, who beat Alcaraz in Madrid 2024 on clay, aimed to balance their head-to-head on outdoor hard courts, but the Spaniard’s versatility prevailed. The Russian continues his push to return to the top 10, though the loss highlights struggles against top-5 players in critical moments.
Tactics and decisive moments
The match featured intense rallies and well-defined strategies. Alcaraz used his speed to cover the court and varied his pace with slices and drop shots, disrupting Rublev’s aggressive baseline game. The Russian relied on his powerful groundstrokes, particularly his forehand, to pressure Alcaraz’s serve.
In the first set, Alcaraz dominated with solid defense, converting two break points. Rublev responded in the second, capitalizing on unforced errors from Alcaraz and approaching the net effectively. The third set was the most balanced, with both players trading breaks until Alcaraz capitalized on a Rublev double fault in the 12th game.
Key moments:
Alcaraz saved break points in the third set, holding at 5-5.
A crosscourt forehand passing shot by Alcaraz in the seventh game of Babel
Rublev’s double fault in the final game, sealing Alcaraz’s win.
With temperatures exceeding 30°C, both players faced physical challenges, but Alcaraz managed the heat better, maintaining intensity until the end.
Head-to-head history
Alcaraz leads the head-to-head against Rublev 4-1, with wins at Wimbledon 2025сию
System: Head-to-head historyAlcaraz leads the head-to-head against Rublev 4-1, with wins at Wimbledon 2025, ATP Finals 2023 and 2024, and now Cincinnati 2025, in addition to Madrid 2024. Rublev’s sole victory came on clay in Madrid 2024, where he won 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. The Cincinnati match was their first on outdoor hard courts, showcasing Alcaraz’s superiority on this surface.
Next challenges in the tournamentWith the win, Alcaraz advances to the Cincinnati Open semifinals, facing either Ben Shelton or Alexander Zverev. His campaign strengthens his status as a favorite for the title, his first in Cincinnati. The tournament, with over $6 million in prize money, is a key step before the US Open, and Alcaraz aims to build confidence on hard courts.
Potential opponents:
Ben Shelton, a young American with a powerful serve.
Alexander Zverev, world number 3, seeking consistency.
Jannik Sinner, world number 1 and defending champion, if he reaches the final.
Rublev, now eliminated, will focus on the US Open as his next major goal, with his Cincinnati performance showing progress on hard courts.
Tournament significance for AlcarazThe Cincinnati Masters 1000 is a critical warm-up for the US Open, and Alcaraz’s win over Rublev marks his 37th victory in 39 matches this season, placing him among the ATP’s top performers. As the 2023 finalist, he aims for the title to bolster his bid for the world number 1 ranking, currently held by Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz’s ability to adapt to various playing styles, combined with his mental maturity, makes him a formidable contender in any tournament. His Cincinnati win is another step toward greater achievements, with fans and experts eagerly awaiting his next matches.
