Andrey Rublev Suffers Gruesome Knee Injury in Match Against Francisco Cerundolo
Rublev Injured in Third Set of Argentina Open Quarterfinal
Andrey Rublev's quest for the Argentina Open title was cut short when he sustained a gruesome knee injury in the third set of his quarterfinal match against Francisco Cerundolo on Friday. The Russian world number six slipped and fell awkwardly, resulting in a deep cut on his right knee that required immediate medical attention.
Rublev was leading Cerundolo 6-2, 3-5 at the time of the injury. The match was subsequently suspended, with Cerundolo advancing to the semifinals by default. Rublev's withdrawal marks a significant setback in his pursuit of a second Argentina Open title after his victory in 2020.
Details of the Injury and Recovery Timeline
Medical staff rushed to Rublev's aid after the fall and applied pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. He was then taken off the court in a wheelchair and transported to a local hospital for further examination.
The severity of the injury is yet to be determined, but it is feared that Rublev may have suffered a deep laceration or ligament damage. The Russian is expected to undergo an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury and the likely recovery timeline.
Uncertain Future for Rublev's Clay-Court Season
Rublev's injury is a major blow to his hopes of a successful clay-court season. He was scheduled to compete in several tournaments in the coming weeks, including the Rio Open and the Indian Wells Masters.
The extent of the injury will determine how long Rublev will be sidelined. If the injury is severe, he may be forced to withdraw from these tournaments and potentially even miss the French Open, the second Grand Slam of the year.
Cerundolo's Breakthrough Performance Continues
Despite the unfortunate circumstances of Rublev's injury, Cerundolo's performance at the Argentina Open has been impressive. The 23-year-old Argentine has defeated two top-10 players in consecutive matches, including Diego Schwartzman in the second round.
Cerundolo will now face Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the semifinals, with a potential final match against the winner of the other semifinal between Cameron Norrie and Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
