Andrey Rublev, the resilient Russian tennis star, demonstrated unwavering determination as he overcame both illness and injury to secure victory at the Madrid Open on Sunday. Despite grappling with a suspected virus and an anaesthetized foot, Rublev triumphed over Felix Auger-Aliassime with a gritty performance, prevailing 4-6 7-5 7-5 in a thrilling final that lasted nearly three hours.
Rublev’s path to victory was fraught with health challenges, with the 26-year-old disclosing his ongoing illness at a post-match news conference. He revealed his intention to return to the hospital for a comprehensive evaluation to ascertain the nature of his prolonged sickness. Concerned by the severity and duration of his symptoms, Rublev remarked, “I’ve been sick for eight or nine days now, it’s not normal… This is the first time in my life that I feel this bad.”
Despite his illness, Rublev valiantly took to the court, aided by an anaesthetic injection to alleviate discomfort in his foot. Describing the necessity of the procedure, he explained, “They put an anaesthetic in the finger on my foot because somehow it got inflamed… The feeling was similar to when you broke it.” This intervention enabled him to compete without hindrance and focus solely on his game.
Rublev’s journey to the title was characterized by tenacity and resilience, particularly given his recent struggles on the tour. Prior to the Madrid Open, he had suffered defeat in four consecutive matches, raising doubts about his form. However, he silenced skeptics with a remarkable display of skill and determination, defeating formidable opponents such as Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz en route to the final.
Reflecting on his triumph, Rublev emphasized the importance of perseverance and improvement. “I think it is normal to have ups and downs, but my focus now is to keep working and trying to improve,” he remarked. Despite the challenges he faced, Rublev showcased exceptional tennis throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved victory.
With his sights set on the upcoming Rome tournament, Rublev remains undeterred by his recent health setbacks. His determination to recover and prepare for future challenges underscores his unwavering commitment to excellence on the tennis court. As he navigates the rigors of professional competition, Andrey Rublev continues to inspire with his resilience and indomitable spirit.
Andrey Rublev in 2024
Now the world no.6, Rublev played his last match on the 5th of May when he beat world no.20 Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6 7-5 7-5 in the final in Madrid to win his 16th career title.
During this season Andrey owns a composed 21-8 record. The Russian conquered 2 titles in 2024 in Hong Kong and Madrid.
The Russian has won 2 titles in 2024 in Hong Kong and Madrid.
Andrey won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 6 on clay courts and 6 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Andrey Rublev |
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