Rublev Rallies to Clinch Madrid Open Title Despite Illness

Andrey Rublev (26) defied illness and a shaky start to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime (23) 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the Madrid Open final on Sunday. This victory marks Rublev’s second Masters 1000 title.

Auger-Aliassime, aiming for his maiden Masters trophy, appeared on course for victory after dominating the opening set. However, a resurgent Rublev, battling a fever throughout the tournament, clawed his way back to secure the win in just under three hours.

Despite entering the competition in poor form, having lost his previous four matches, Rublev dropped only two sets on his path to glory.

“Words can’t describe it,” Rublev said after the win. “If you knew what I’ve been through the last nine days, you wouldn’t believe I could win a title… The last six weeks I kept losing in the first round.”

Rublev revealed he nearly withdrew due to health concerns. “There were issues I couldn’t fix on my own,” he admitted. “But huge credit to the doctors, they worked wonders and did some amazing things… Somehow I managed to play. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”

“This is definitely the title I’m most proud of in my career,” Rublev added. “I haven’t slept well the past few days.”

Auger-Aliassime benefitted from a fortunate path to the final, receiving walkovers from three of his five opponents, including top seed Jannik Sinner who withdrew with an injury before their quarter-final clash.

Tennis Result

Questions about the unseeded Canadian’s legitimacy in the final swirled early on. He dismantled Rublev’s serve with clinical precision, taking the opening set with aplomb.

A nightmare start saw Rublev broken to love in the first game, thanks to two double faults. Auger-Aliassime quickly surged ahead 4-1, peppering the court with winners.

The determined seventh seed clawed his way back, breaking serve once. However, the Canadian remained in control, utilizing his potent forehand and booming serve to seal the opening set.

Rublev, who had previously ousted second seed and hometown favorite Carlos Alcaraz in the quarters, displayed far greater shot-making aggression in the second set. A tighter contest ensued, decided entirely on serve.

Finding his rhythm on the first serve, Rublev kept Auger-Aliassime under pressure. He capitalized on his opportunity at 6-5, securing a crucial break to force a decider.

The third set mirrored the second, with both players holding serve until the crucial moment at 6-5. Deja vu struck as Rublev earned another break.

Auger-Aliassime faltered under pressure while serving to stay in the match, committing two costly double faults. The second double fault handed Rublev the championship in an anticlimactic conclusion.

“Congratulations to Andrey, a much-deserved victory,” acknowledged Auger-Aliassime. “Well played to you and your team. I fought until the very end.”