Vit Kopriva pulled off a stunning upset over 17-time tour champion Andrey Rublev, winning 6-3, 6-4 in the Madrid Round of 64 on Friday. The Czech player dominated on first serve, winning 88% of those points compared to Rublev’s 71%, and crucially converted both break point opportunities while the Russian failed to capitalize on either of his two chances.
Kopriva controlled the match from the outset, breaking early in the opening set and never allowing Rublev to settle into a rhythm. The second set followed a similar pattern—Kopriva’s relentless pressure on return forced Rublev into uncharacteristic errors, with the Russian finishing with 18 unforced errors to Kopriva’s 15 despite hitting just 19 winners. Rublev, coming off a final appearance in Barcelona last week, appeared unable to replicate that form on Madrid’s clay.
Kopriva closed out the match having won 65 total points to Rublev’s 49, a 16-point margin that reflected his superiority throughout. The Czech will carry this career-defining victory into the next round, while Rublev’s clay season suffers another setback following his Barcelona final loss to Arthur Fils.
Key Takeaways
- Kopriva’s first serve was devastating—he won 88% of first serve points, a massive 17-percentage-point advantage over Rublev’s 71%, neutralizing the Russian’s typically aggressive baseline game.
- The break point disparity decided the match: Kopriva converted 2 of 4 chances (50%) while Rublev went 0-for-2, failing to generate any additional pressure on the Czech’s serve across two sets.
- Despite Rublev serving at 75% first serve percentage and hitting 5 aces, he won just 36% of second serve points—his lowest efficiency area—allowing Kopriva to seize control in longer rallies.
- Kopriva hit 4 aces, matching his clay average of 4.9 per match, while keeping unforced errors to 15—well below his recent clay average of 27.3—demonstrating exceptional discipline against a player with 17 career titles.
Player Analysis
Vit Kopriva
Kopriva produced the performance of his career, executing a near-flawless game plan against one of the tour’s most dangerous clay courters. His 88% success rate on first serve points was extraordinary, built on aggressive serving into Rublev’s backhand and immediate court positioning to dictate rallies. With 22 winners against just 15 unforced errors, he maintained a positive differential while matching Rublev’s shot-making.
The Czech’s ability to win 44% of second serve points—while not spectacular—proved sufficient when combined with his first serve dominance. His 2-for-4 break point conversion included crucial breaks in each set, and he never faced serious danger on his own serve, saving both break points Rublev generated. Coming off a strong clay run in Rio and a recent win over Maria Timofeeva in Madrid, Kopriva has found his best form on the surface at precisely the right moment.
Andrey Rublev
Rublev’s performance fell well short of expectations for a player with 17 career titles facing an opponent chasing his first. Despite serving at 75% and hitting 5 aces, he won just 71% of first serve points—far too low against a player of Kopriva’s ranking. More damaging was his second serve, which yielded just a 36% win rate, inviting constant pressure from the Czech’s returns.
The Russian’s 0-for-2 break point conversion rate exposed his inability to seize the few opportunities Kopriva offered, and his 18 unforced errors to 19 winners suggests he pressed too hard trying to overcome the deficit rather than constructing points patiently. Coming off a final loss in Barcelona to Arthur Fils, Rublev appears mentally and physically drained, unable to summon the intensity needed for early-round battles. With 91 career clay wins, he’s proven his credentials on the surface—this was simply an off day at the worst possible time.
Match Statistics
| Vit Kopriva | Stat | Andrey Rublev |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Aces | 5 |
| 1 | Double Faults | 1 |
| 72% | 1st Serve % | 75% |
| 88% | 1st Serve Points Won | 71% |
| 44% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 36% |
| 2/4 | Break Points Won | 0/2 |
| 22 | Winners | 19 |
| 15 | Unforced Errors | 18 |
| 65 | Total Points Won | 49 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Vit Kopriva vs Andrey Rublev at Madrid 2026?
Vit Kopriva defeated Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-4 in the Madrid Round of 64 on April 24, 2026.
How many break points did Kopriva convert against Rublev at Madrid?
Kopriva converted 2 of 4 break points (50%), while Rublev failed to convert either of his 2 break point opportunities (0%).
What was Kopriva’s first serve winning percentage vs Rublev?
Kopriva won an exceptional 88% of first serve points, compared to Rublev’s 71%, a 17-percentage-point advantage that proved decisive in the upset victory.
How many career titles does Andrey Rublev have?
Andrey Rublev has won 17 career ATP titles, making this loss to title-less Vit Kopriva a significant upset in the Madrid Round of 64.
What’s Next
Kopriva advances to the Round of 32 at Madrid, where he will face his next opponent with career-best confidence following this landmark upset. Rublev’s clay season takes a significant hit with this early exit, and he’ll need to regroup before the French Open, where Grand Slam success has eluded him despite his clay court pedigree.
