Rublev reaches Barcelona final

Andrey Rublev came from a set down on April 18 to beat Hamad Medjedovic and reach the Barcelona Open final. (reuters.com) Rublev lost the first set 3-6, then took the next two 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinal at the ATP 500 clay event in Barcelona. The win sent the Russian into his first ATP Tour final of 2026. (reuters.com) The opponent is Arthur Fils, who also rallied from a set down on April 18, beating Spanish wild card Rafael Jodar 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. ATP Tour said the result put Fils into his second ATP 500 final of the season. (atptour.com) Barcelona is one of the main clay-court stops before the French Open, which starts in Paris next month. A deep run there can shape seeding, confidence and form heading into Roland-Garros. (atptour.com (atptour.com) For Rublev, the final ends a four-match semifinal losing streak and gives him a chance at his first title of the year. ATP Tour said the 28-year-old reached his 29th career ATP Tour final with the win over Medjedovic. (atptour.com) Rublev arrived in Barcelona as the No. 5 seed and world No. 15, according to Tennis Majors. Medjedovic came through qualifying before reaching the last four. (tennismajors.com) Fils has tried to keep the focus on the final in Spain rather than the bigger clay season ahead. Asked about Roland-Garros pressure, he said, “Please let me play this one.” (en.tennistemple.com) Sunday’s final pairs two players still looking for a first tour title in 2026, with Rublev chasing his 18th career crown and Fils his fourth. (en.tennistemple.com (beinsports.com)