Halys eliminates Rublev on the wire in Dubai

Quentin Halys beat Andrey Rublev in three sets in the first round of Dubai.

Despite losing the first set 6-3, the Frenchman rallied to win the second 6-4.

He also saved six break points in the third set, before prevailing in the tie-break, winning every point on his serve.

Halys declared in a post-match interview: "I'm very happy.

It was such a tough match, it's a great win for me. Andrey played very well too, and I congratulate him on his match.

I was a bit nervous at the start. I had to serve well, and that was one of the keys to the match. Today is the greatest victory of my career.

The conditions here have helped me a lot; they suit my game very well."

He will face Roberto Bautista-Agut in the second round.