Rublev scares himself at the US Open!

Andrey Rublev came very close to elimination on Wednesday.

Despite returning to a very good level of tennis, the Russian was almost trapped by a wild and opportunistic Arthur Rinderknech.

On a fairly average and visibly tense day, Rublev found himself with his back to the wall after more than 2h30 of play, trailing by two sets (6-4, 7-5).

Gradually rediscovering his best tennis and finally blowing away a slowing Frenchman, the world number 6 went it alone to win in 5 sets and just over 4 hours (4-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2).

More aggressive than ever, Rublev distributed his game with great mastery, racking up 63 winners and serving better than ever (26 aces, 78% of points won on first ball).

For a place in the second week, the 26-year-old will face Jiri Lehecka.