This marked Kovacevic\u2019s second victory over Rublev this year, replicating his breakthrough win in Montpellier in February, where he reached his first ATP Tour final. With a 2-0 lead in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, Kovacevic now becomes the fourth American finalist in Los Cabos history. The win lifts him 10 spots to No. 66 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, with a potential rise to No. 56 if he secures his maiden ATP title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rublev was aiming to notch his 250th career hard-court win. After a tense hold for 4-3 in the third set, it seemed momentum was shifting in his favor. But Kovacevic responded with a late surge, winning the final three games to clinch the match as per ATP<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI can\u2019t lie but say that once you get a win over a player one time, you believe you can do it again,\u201d said Kovacevic. \u201cI was not feeling so great to start, but then I really found my energy in the second and third sets. I had a bit of luck going my way, but I\u2019m proud of the way I competed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEvery match is a new challenge. I thought about how I was going to play against him, but you can\u2019t think too much of the past, whether it\u2019s good or bad.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI can\u2019t lie but say that once you get a win over a player one time, you believe you can do it again,\u201d said Kovacevic. \u201cI was not feeling so great to start, but then I really found my energy in the second and third sets. I had a bit of luck going my way, but I\u2019m proud of the way I competed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shapovalov, who returned from a lengthy injury layoff in late 2024, has found top form again. After winning in Belgrade as a qualifier, he captured the Dallas ATP 500 title by defeating three Top 10 players. Now ranked No. 29 in the Live Rankings, Shapovalov is seeking his fourth career ATP trophy in what promises to be a compelling final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n