The ATP 500 final in Doha was also in line-up, with fifth seed Rublev narrowly beating Aliassime 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(5) to reach his third career final in Doha (runners-up in 2018 and champion in 2020) for his first tour final since Montreal last August.

Rublev

In his post-match interview, Rublev said: "It's great to reach the final here for the third time, but what can I do in the meantime? If I don't win, I'll be in a new event next week. I'm happy to see my level come back and I'm playing better and better week by week, so I'm constantly improving. Even if I don't win this final, I'm going to keep my focus and try to improve myself. ”

Draper

Rublev's final opponent was eighth seed and British No. 1 Draper, who overcame Lehecka of Alcaraz in the quarter-finals 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-3 to make it his ninth straight win in the 500. Draper will set a new personal high next week, and if he can beat Rublev in the final, he will move up to No.11 in the world rankings. The men's singles final will be played tonight at 11 p.m. Beijing time, and the two sides have met three times before, with Rublev winning all of them.

(Text, Editor/Faye Wong, Photo/Visual China)