"This is the proudest title of my career": Andrey Rublev opens up on the hurdles overcome in Madrid to clinch second Masters 1000 title
ATP
Andrey
Rublev celebrated his second Masters 1000 title after defeating Felix
Auger-Aliassime in the final of the Madrid Open. The Russian tennis player
clinched his second title of the season with a remarkable comeback to beat the
Canadian by 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, securing his 16th professional title.
At 26
years old, he joined the select list of tennis players who have won two
different Masters 1000 titles on clay, as he won the first one in the 2023
Monte-Carlo Masters. The others were Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray,
and Alexander Zverev.
Rublev proclaims it as the proudest title of his career
The
26-year-old player entered the tournament with four consecutive losses, but he
showcased his best level in Madrid and even ousted the 2-times defending
champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. "I have no words. If you
knew what I had been through in the past nine days you would not imagine that I
would be able to win a title," Rublev said after his victory.
Read also
The
Russian player has been known for his consistency on the tour for several
years, but he had been experiencing a negative streak in the past few months
with four consecutive defeats. He expressed his excitement about turning the
situation around after failing to defend his title at the Monte-Carlo Masters
in his opening match: "I'm incredibly happy. That one week changed
everything because now it looks like I was not losing the last weeks in the
first round!"
Rublev won his first Masters 1000 at 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters against Holger Rune.
Rublev
had started the year as world No. 5, but losing almost 1000 points two weeks
ago caused him to drop to No. 8. The title in Madrid will allow him to climb a
couple of positions up to No. 6. Considering it's his second Masters 1000
title, Rublev commented that this one was even more special: "I would say
this is the proudest title of my career," the Russian said. "I was
almost dead every day. I was not sleeping at night. The last three, four days I
didn't sleep."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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