Andrey Rublev’s run to the Madrid Open final was attributed to his improved mental strength after defeating Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals. Despite being on a four-match losing streak before the tournament, Rublev has only dropped one set on his way to the final. In a dominant performance, he overcame Fritz 6-4 6-3 in just 73 minutes. Rublev credited his mental resilience and ability to channel his emotions in the right direction for his resurgence in form, stating that it was crucial in helping him reach the final.
After an impressive quarter-final victory against home favourite Carlos Alcaraz, Rublev continued his winning streak by quickly recovering from an early break by Fritz in the opening game. He targeted his opponent’s second serve to reclaim the break and eventually take the first set by breaking Fritz in the 10th game. The second set lasted just over half an hour as Rublev maintained his dominant performance and kept Fritz at bay. Rublev expressed his satisfaction with his mental state, acknowledging that it played a significant role in his success at the tournament.
In the final, Rublev will face Felix Auger-Aliassime, who reached his maiden Masters final after his opponent Jiri Lehecka retired with a back injury. Lehecka left the court for treatment from a physio after just six games, and ultimately decided to withdraw from the match. This meant that Auger-Aliassime has played just three full matches to reach the final, with his previous opponents either retiring or withdrawing due to injuries. Despite feeling empathetic towards Lehecka, Auger-Aliassime is focusing on preparing for the final and maintaining his performance.
Reflecting on his unexpected path to the final, Auger-Aliassime acknowledged the unique circumstances he has experienced with back-to-back retirements from his opponents. He expressed sympathy for Lehecka and emphasized the importance of preparing for the final match. Auger-Aliassime admitted that he has never encountered such a situation in his career before, but remains focused on his performance and adapting to the circumstances. He is determined to make the most of his opportunity in the final and is grateful for the chance to compete at such a high level.
The Madrid Open final will showcase a clash between two talented players in Rublev and Auger-Aliassime, both seeking to claim the Masters 1000 title. Rublev’s mental strength and improved form have propelled him to the final, while Auger-Aliassime has had a unique journey with unexpected withdrawals from his opponents. The final promises to be an exciting and competitive match, with both players eager to showcase their skills on the court. Tennis fans can anticipate an intense battle between Rublev and Auger-Aliassime as they compete for the prestigious title in the Spanish capital.
