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Formula 1 star George Russell spotted watching Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime in Doha 

If you've been keeping up with The Tennis Traveler, this crossover won't be any surprise.

ByLiya Davidov

Published Feb 21, 2025

It took everything: Andrey Rublev finds a way through Felix Auger-Aliassime in Doha semifinal

Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime faced off for the seventh time in the semifinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, but they weren’t the only world-class athletes spotted in Doha on Friday.

Formula 1 star George Russell was seen watching the three-set battle from the best seat in the house on Center Court. The Mercedes driver is famously a tennis fan, and a regular visitor to the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters in his hometown.

Why was three-time race winner Russell in Doha to begin with, you ask? If you've been keeping up with The Tennis Traveler, this tennis/Formula 1 crossover won't be any surprise, as Doha is home to some of motorsport's biggest races—including the high-stakes penultimate Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar.

The Tennis Traveler: WTA 1000 Doha warms up Qatar for Formula 1 event at the end of February

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The Mercedes driver wasn’t the only notable attendee on semifinal day in Doha. Former football manager Arsene Wenger and current ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi also enjoyed a day of men’s tennis in the Middle East. Earlier in the week, basketball star Jimmy Butler also shared a "dream" hit on Center Court with Carlos Alcaraz.

Read More: WATCH: Jimmy Butler smashes overhead past Carlos Alcaraz during "dream" hit in Doha

As Russell gears up for the start of the Formula 1 season in March, he watched Rublev get one step closer to his own podium finish in Doha, edging out Auger-Aliassime 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (5) in just under three hours.

“He was serving well. I cannot do much,” Rublev said told World Feed. “This is one of the best servers on tour. So I just need to guess and when I will have moments, just go for it.”

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Rublev’s been in this position before, making his third appearance in the ATP Doha final after taking home the trophy in 2020 and reaching the 2018 final.

“I’m happy that I’m back in terms of my level. I feel like I’m playing better and better, week by week,” he said. “So I’m improving. I will keep the main focus. Even if I don’t win this final, just to keep improving.”

As the highest seed left in the draw, he faces Jack Draper in the championship match.

Read More: Jiri Lehecka knocks out Carlos Alcaraz for the first time in Doha