Watch: Sebastian Korda retires in Dubai against Andrey Rublev as the Russian seals a spot in the semifinals against Alexander Bublik

With the same intentions in mind, the Russians kept up the pressure in the second-leading 4-3 game. Just when he managed to secure his second break of the match, the American had to stop the match for a medical timeout and soon retired. 

He got a huge round of applause as he took the hard way out and decided to give a walkthrough to the Russian. With this win, Rublev advanced to the semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Continuing his fine form in 2024, the Russian managed to run his way through another tournament and himself one match away from the finals. 

Rublev now gears up for a semi-final match against Alexander Bublik, who is also off a win via a walkover. He was up against Jiri Lehecka, who also had to retire mid-way due to an injury concern. 

Andrey Rublev enters 4th consecutive semi-finals at the Dubai Tennis Championships after win against Sebastian Korda

Russian pro Andrey Rubelv had gotten off to a great start at the Dubai Tennis Championships. He won his first two matches with ease, followed by another great win in the quarter-final. 

The 26-year-old has always had great success at this tournament, as he entered his fourth consecutive semi-final in the UAE.

He first entered the semis in 2021, where he lost against Aslan Karatsev; the next year, he had better luck, winning the semi-finals and the tournament. Last year, he went to the finals but lost to his counterpart, Daniil Medvedev, in an exciting match.

This is the fourth time he has entered the semi-final, and with Medvedev in the mix, there are high chances for the two Russians to square off another time. Two semi-finalists have been decided, while two more are yet to be announced.

Top seed Medvedev faces Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina for the spot, and on the other side, Hubert Hurkacz takes on Ugo Humbert for the last spot. Fans await the matches as the tournament enters its last phase, presenting a couple of exciting matches.