The world No. 2 defeated Alexander Bublik, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, but it wasn't without a little drama.

Bublik is the 2019 finalist and the oddsmakers favorite to capture his first career ATP title at the Hall of Fame Open.

Both men maintained their 2021 ascensions on their preferred surfaces on Thursday: Bublik on grass, Ruud on clay.

"I'm finally happy with my team, that they are supporting me. Sometimes you can surprise the player with a drop shot, sometimes a good one, then you have an easy ball," the Tunisian said Friday.

Tennys Sandgren, who faces Djokovic, has five wins over Top 15 players, and they’ve all come at the majors.

Dusan Lajovic spoiled Daniil Medvedev's Top 3 debut on Wednesday after ousting the top seed, 7-6 (4), 6-4, at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Alexander Bublik also pulled off a Top 10 win, eliminating world No. 7 Alexander Zverev, 7-5, 6-3.

“A lot of sacrifice, a lot of dedication and a lot of hard work went into this from myself, my team and my whole entire family," the 21-year-old Aussie said.

Goffin will look to win his fourth consecutive match against the Spaniard, and capture his first ATP title since 2017.