Andrey Rublev produced his most comfortable win of the season on Thursday at the Estoril Open in Portugal, dismantling lucky loser Timofey Skatov 6-1, 6-1 to move into the quarterfinals. Rublev needed just 59 minutes to wrap up the ATP 250 victory, losing only two games and underlining the confidence he has carried into Estoril after winning a clay-court title in Bastad.
The top seed, ranked No. 14 in the ATP Rankings, hit through World No. 163 Skatov and sealed the match with his 26th winner, struck off a Skatov second serve. The result extended Rublev’s winning streak to five matches and sent him into his seventh tour-level quarterfinal of the season, according to the ATP Win/Loss Index.
Rublev said he was pleased to be making his first appearance at the event and highlighted the value of a quick straight-sets win as he looks ahead to the next round.
Rublev’s 59-minute statement sets up Van Assche test
Rublev’s emphatic 6-1, 6-1 scoreline was built on relentless pace and clean ball-striking, with the Russian keeping the time on court to a minimum as the tournament schedule moves quickly into the business end. With a quarterfinal spot secured, Rublev’s focus now turns to Frenchman Luca Van Assche, who earned his own place in the last eight by defeating eighth seed Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
Carreno Busta had been aiming to reach his first ATP Tour quarterfinal since Winston-Salem in 2024, but Van Assche finished stronger to close out the deciding set. Van Assche, 22, will now get a chance to change a tough recent trend at this stage of tour-level events: he holds a 0-3 record in quarterfinals. Against Rublev, he will be trying to reach his first tour-level semi-final.
Van Assche has also shown promise on clay this season, having lifted an ATP Challenger trophy on the surface in Parma. That form, combined with his three-set win over Carreno Busta, sets up an intriguing quarterfinal on Friday as Rublev looks to continue his run and build on the momentum from Bastad.
For Rublev, the Estoril performance was not only about the margin of victory but also about efficiency. He spoke about the conditions being challenging, while noting the importance of staying fresh as the tournament progresses.
Faria keeps Portugal’s hopes alive with quarterfinal berth
In other action, Portugal’s Jaime Faria delivered a result that pleased home fans, beating Peruvian qualifier Gonzalo Bueno 6-2, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals. The 22-year-old is into his second tour-level quarterfinal of the season after also making the last eight at the ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro.
Faria’s win also brought a rankings boost in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, where he rose nine spots to No. 79. His next opponent will be decided by the match between second seed Luciano Darderi and Pedro Martinez, with Faria set to play the winner on Friday.
What the quarterfinal line-up means in Estoril
Rublev’s dominant opening run in Estoril has quickly positioned him as a central figure in the quarterfinals, with the top seed arriving in form and now carrying a five-match winning streak. Van Assche, meanwhile, has already navigated a demanding three-set test to reach the last eight and will be aiming to break through to his first tour-level semi-final.
For the host nation, Faria’s progress ensures Portuguese interest remains strong as the tournament heads into Friday’s quarterfinals. With Rublev and Faria both advancing, Estoril’s last-eight stage features a mix of seeded contenders and players looking to convert momentum into a deeper run.
