Alexander Zverev equals record that Andrey Rublev held for less than 30 minutes

Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP via Getty Images

Andrey Rublev kept up his push for a first title of 2026, easing past Lorenzo Sonego at the Barcelona Open.

After a straight-sets win over Mariano Navone in the opening round, Rublev followed up with another strong performance, defeating Sonego 6-2, 6-3. The Russian is still searching for his first tour-level title of the season, having fallen just short in Hong Kong, Doha and Dubai.

But with Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from the tournament, Rublev has a clearer path to chase silverware at this ATP 500 event. On his way to silverware in Spain’s capital, he set a unique tennis record – though it lasted less than half an hour.

“Rublev has become the only player in history to serve four double faults and hit four aces consecutively,” wrote @perfect.tennisuk. “So him.”

The record was even covered by Eurosport, who compiled highlights from what they called “the most unpredictable game you’re likely to see on clay all year.”

Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP via Getty Images

Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev both break records at the Barcelona Open

With his win, Rublev secured a spot in his 33rd ATP 500 quarterfinal, the most by any player since the format began in 2009.

He had been level with Marin Cilic and Alexander Zverev after reaching the semifinals in Dubai earlier this year.

But Rublev didn’t hold sole possession of the record for long. Less than half an hour later, Zverev matched him again by winning his second-round match at the Munich Open.

Rafael Nadal sits just behind in joint-fourth place on that list, alongside David Ferrer and Stefanos Tsitsipas, all with 29 appearances.