Relentless Rublev wins Masters 1000 crown in Madrid

The inexorable Rublev won the Masters 1000 crown in Madrid

Rublev defeats Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 7-5, 7-5

Who will be the last one standing when so many people succumb to injury and retire mid-match? Andrey Rublev, the fiery but affable Russian, started the season with a title in Hong Kong but has struggled since defaulting late in the third set against Alexander Bublik in Dubai in February.

Although he failed to protect his masters 1000 crown in Monte Carlo last month (L. Popyrin), he took off on clay in Madrid, defeating four seeds, including world no.3 and two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

The twenty-six-year-old, with fifteen career titles, is currently number one in the rankings. 8s, reaching career high rank five in 2021. In search of my second Master 1000 title, he topped Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-1 in head-to-head matches, including a tight three-set match in Rotterdam in February this year.

FAA is also struggling, and his ratings have plummeted from career highs #6 V 2022 to his present thirty-five year rank. The twenty-three-year-old Canadian, with five career titles to his name, found his form in the Spanish capital with impressive victories over the world #19 Adrian Mannarino and #5 Casper Ruud. He was sent off twice mid-match (Jakub Meniscus & Jiri Legecka) and transition from #1 seed, Jannik Sinner.

(Image: Getty)

Rublev won the toss and elected to serve, but probably regretted not doing so as he committed two double faults in a row and dropped serve. FAA did 4/5 first serve, including an ace on the wing and held until 15 consolidate the break.

Rublev opened the third round with his third double fault, but got on the board with two straight service hits. FAA made two unforced errors, but with a monstrous serve held thirty For 3-1.

7The seed opened the fourth with an overhead shot but lost serve on two groundstroke errors. The Canadian scored three winning goals in a row and reached 40-0 but the Russian upped the ante, hitting five winners in a row to win back the break.

Rublev consolidated the lead 15 For 3-4 Bye FAA faced a deuce before holding for 5-3. Rublev missed 5/10 on the first serve, faced two deuces and a set point, but with the first ace and two consecutive errors from the opponent, he was left behind 4-5. FAA made two mistakes in a row, but with his fourth ace and two forehand winners he repelled a break point and secured the set.

Rublev served first in the second and, with two outstanding forehands and a colossal tee shot, held on lovingly until FAA missed 4/5 first serve but held 15 align. Rublev opened the third shot from above and kept the ball. 15 For 2-1 Bye FAA hit two more aces to even the score.

Rublev opened the fifth round with his second ace, two consecutive strikes and a no-return serve held throughout 3-2. The Canadian opened the scoring with a crisp forehand and although he was facing a deuce and a break point, he held on. 3-3 with a brilliant backhand.

Rublev made three mistakes in a row, including a fourth double fault, but held his own throughout the match. 4-3 as he smashed a cross-court forehand. FAA opened the eighth round with a double fault and, despite another one, managed to hold on thirty align. World #8 hit two winners in a row and easily held 15 And FAA responded in kind with his eighth ace on the game point.

Rublev opened the eleventh round with a powerful left hand down the line and kept his love for 6-5. The Canadian, trying to stay in the set and force a break, opened with an ace wide of the net, but dropped the set with four uncharacteristic groundstroke errors.

Rublev served first in the decisive match and with his third ace he maintained the love position. FAA hit two consecutive forehand winners and his 10th ace, but had to struggle as he faced five deuces and two break points before holding on.

Rublev adhered to thirty For 2-1 with an ace out FAA faced a double break point, but held on thanks to two additional aces. Rublev missed 2/4 the first one serves, but holds on with love for 3-2 Bye FAA up to thirty with two winners in a row.

Both continued to hit the ball from the baseline and transitioned seamlessly from defense to offense with exceptional footwork. Rublev opened the seventh round with his fifth ace and a fantastic inside forehand, full of love for 4-3.

FAA missed 5/10 on his first serve, faced two deuces and break points, but stayed level with three phenomenal winners, including his thirteenth ace. Rublev opened the ninth with the sixth ace and the seventh, saving 15 For 5-4. FAA in favor of staying in the match, struggled on the front court but managed to hold on 5-5.

Rublev missed 3/4 first serve, but held at love for the fourth time in the third set. FAA helping to stay in the match and force a break, he opened with an ace, but two double faults cost him the match. It was an unfortunate ending to an exceptionally well-played, hard-fought and exciting match.

After a bad start, Rublev finished with seven aces, five double faults and won. 77% first and 60% of second serve points. He was equally effective on his return, winning 29% first and 64% return points on second serve. He saved 2/4 conversion breakpoints 3/eleven and made twenty-five winners with fifteen unforced errors.

Both will gain confidence and form at the Foro Italico as the clay court season continues in Rome, where 1000 Ranking points and bragging rights are up for grabs.