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Nakashima ousts Rublev in Barcelona Open first round

tennis16 April 2024 15:10| © AFP
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Brandon Nakashima © Gallo Images

Brandon Nakashima dumped a raging Andrey Rublev out of the Barcelona Open in the first round with a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) victory on Tuesday.

The American, ranked 87th, ousted the world No 8, who made five double faults and only forced one break point in the match.

Nakashima edged the first set by breaking the Russian in the ninth game for 5-4 and then surviving a break point before serving out.

Rublev, second seed at the tournament, saved four second-set break points but tumbled to defeat in the tie-break after sending a backhand long.

The Russian smashed his racket repeatedly on the ground before storming off.

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