Andrey Rublev overcame a gap set wobble to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 within the remaining of the Madrid Open on Sunday to win his second Masters 1000 title.
Auger-Aliassime was chasing his first ever Masters title and seemed effectively set for victory earlier than a resurgent Rublev, who had been combating a fever throughout the event, recovered to prevail in a bit underneath three hours.
The 26-year-old Russian had come into the event in Madrid in poor kind having misplaced his earlier 4 matches on the tour however dropped solely two units en path to the title.
“No phrases, when you knew what I’ve been by way of within the final 9 days, you wouldn’t think about that I might be capable to win a title… Final six weeks I used to be dropping within the first rounds,” Rublev mentioned.
“I used to be (near pulling out) as a result of there have been few points I couldn’t repair, however I’ve to provide full credit score to the medical doctors. They have been magical and did some tough issues… Someway I used to be in a position to play. I’ve by no means seen this in my life.
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“I might say that is essentially the most proud title of my profession. I didn’t sleep effectively the final three-four days.”
Auger-Aliassime had moved into the ultimate when three of his 5 opponents in Madrid gave him walkovers — together with prime seed Jannik Sinner who pulled out with an damage earlier than their quarter-final conflict.
Questions on whether or not the unseeded Canadian deserved to be within the remaining have been put to relaxation within the opening set when he clinically dismantled Rublev’s serve.
Rublev had the worst attainable begin when he was damaged to like within the first sport of the match with two double faults and the Russian shortly discovered himself 4-1 down as Auger-Aliassime fired a number of winners.
The seventh seed fought again and managed to interrupt Auger-Aliassime however the Canadian was effectively in management by then, serving effectively to make optimum use of his sturdy forehand earlier than sealing the opening set on serve with a convincing winner on the internet.
However Rublev, who had eradicated second seed and residential favorite Carlos Alcaraz within the quarterfinals, was way more aggressive along with his shot-making within the second set which went with serve.
The Russian additionally discovered his vary on his first serve and consistently put Auger-Aliassime on the backfoot earlier than clinching the decisive break when he was up 6-5 to power a decider.
It was a case of deja vu within the remaining set too which went with serve till Rublev broke once more at 6-5.
Auger-Aliassime was underneath stress as he served to remain within the contest however he made two double faults, the second handing the title to Rublev in an anti-climactic finish to the ultimate.
“Congrats to Andrey, very deserving winner. Congrats to you and your group. I attempted until the tip,” Auger-Aliassime mentioned.