Andrey Rublev showed incredible resilience, battling illness and a one-set deficit to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6 7-5 7-5 and claim his maiden Madrid Open title.
Despite suffering from a fever leading up to the final, the Russian world number eight displayed remarkable determination. Initially trailing 4-1 in the opening set, Rublev staged a remarkable comeback, seizing control of crucial moments to overcome his opponent and secure his second Masters 1,000 tournament victory.
Rublev expressed his gratitude to the medical team for their support, acknowledging the challenging journey he had endured in the preceding days. His triumph, amidst sleepless nights and physical exhaustion, marked a significant milestone in his career.
Having struggled with four consecutive losses prior to the Madrid Open, Rublev’s impressive performance bodes well as he gears up for the upcoming French Open.
Auger-Aliassime, who had advanced to the final following his semi-final opponent’s retirement and another player’s withdrawal, put up a valiant fight. However, Rublev’s relentless pressure eventually proved too much, culminating in victory with a decisive double fault on match point.
Credit: BBC Sport
