The best AO performance from Berankis had been the third round (2011, 2013).
The best for Rublev last year’s quarter final.
Rublev won the only previous match on tour between the pair in St Petersburg, September 2019.
Berankis served first.
He saved two break points, but a second double fault gave Rublev the first blow and lead 1-0.
Rublev at 40-0 double faulted, but an ace cleared things. 2-0.
Berankis was on the board after holding serve, an ace and forehand winner assisting.
Rublev saved break points in games five and seven. 4-3.
At 3-5 and 0-30, Berankis was staring at a first set loss, but he steadied and held for 4-5, ensuring Rublev had to serve for it.
An ace, followed by two forehand winners and quickly three set points. Berankis forced into error and the set was over.
Rublev ahead 6-4.
Four errors from Berankis in the opening game of set two gifted the break to Rublev.
The fifth seed hit a couple of winners en route to 2-0.
Berankis surrendered his serve again in the fifth game and Rublev had the double break, without much effort on his part. 4-1.
Rublev served the set out 6-2.
Berankis was broken for the third time in three opening games of sets, and Rublev consolidated, but only after two visits to deuce.
Rublev strolled through the rest, and should have been satisfied with the 6-4 6-2 6-0 thrashing of Berankis.
It felt like a long practise session, where any slightly rough edges were smoothed out, especially the forehand.
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