Qatar ExxonMobil Open: Bautista Agut Stops Rublev To Reach Final

Doha, March 12 (QNA) - Roberto Bautista Agut reached the Qatar ExxonMobil Open final for the second time on Friday after the 2019 titlist extended his winning run in Doha to nine matches with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over third-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev in 74 minutes. "It was very difficult to play tennis today, with the windy conditions," said Bautista Agut. He will next look to capture his 10th ATP Tour title on Saturday when he faces American Taylor Fritz or Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia in the Doha final. "This court and tournament is one of my favorites," said Bautista Agut, after recording the 14th Top 10 win of his career. "I played one of my best matches here in Qatar two years ago, and I hope I can win one more match tomorrow." Rublev, who was playing his first match of the week after two consecutive walkovers, had lifted trophies at his past four ATP 500 tournaments, including the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament (d. Fucsovics) last week. (QNA)