The Madrid Open curse is the worst this year. This year, the event saw many top names like Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and others bowing out of the event due to injury. While many thought that the list would come to an now, it seems like the finals also have their own kind of curse and Andrey Rublev is the latest name to have fallen victim to it.
The finals were played between Felix Auger Aliassime and Andrey Rublev. Now, as it seems, that the curse has reached even there. Reports from Madrid are now suggesting that Rublev has been suffering from a cold and fever before coming into the Madrid Open final. However, he has opted to play in the finals despite the discomforts. He was even puking which clearly indicated that he was struggling with cold and fever and had discomfort playing.
Rublev with a cold and fever coming into the final. Felix broke out the voodoo dolls before Madrid. Zapped away most of his opponents before taking the court.
Mensik: Retirement
Sinner: Walkover
Lehecka: Retirement
Rublev: illness before matchI don't think you could make…
— Tennis Connected (@TennisConnected) May 5, 2024
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Thus, Andrey Rublev, who came out in the finals as the clear favorite was reportedly struggling with cold and fever before coming into the match. Had he decided to pull out of the match, it would have been one of a kind as Felix Auger Aliassime would have won without playing much. However, despite this, he forced the match into a three-set decider. He refused to give up right till the end. But, he made his way right to the end and won the match.
Andrey Rublev thanks the doctors after clinching the title in a dramatic fashion
The first set of the match was very easily clinched by Felix Auger Aliassime. While Rublev battled with his own conditions, Aliassime capitalized on the moment and took the lead by winning the first set 6-4. However, Rublev is someone who won’t let go of things easily.
He fought brilliantly and made sure to force the match into a decider. Despite all the discomforts that he faced, he managed to clinch the second set with the scoreline of 7-5. This then forced the match into the decider. the nerves were high as each player was battling out for a chance to grab the title.
Wow. What a turnaround for Andrey Rublev! From being defaulted in Dubai to losing four consecutive matches to now WINNING his second Masters 1000 title! 😮 👏🔥🇪🇸
Back into World #6! 🌍 pic.twitter.com/ZuB8mwyBJY
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) May 5, 2024
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However, despite his problems, he managed to come out on top and clinch the title leaving Auger Aliassime stunned. With the win, he also secured the second masters’ title of his career. In the post-match conference, he was quick to thank the doctors who played a crucial role in helping him win the title.
He suggested that they were some of the best doctors whom he had seen in his life as they gave him the green light to continue despite problems. “I have to give full credit to the doctors, they’re magicals. What they were doing, they were doing some tricky things and somehow I was able to play. I’ve never seen this in my life, they’re the best on tour,” said Rublev in the interview.
Andrey Rublev: I have to give full credit to the doctors, they’re magicals. What they were doing, they were doing some tricky things and somehow I was able to play. I’ve never seen this in my life, they’re the best on tour.
I would say this is the most proud title of my career.
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) May 5, 2024
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Thus, while the Madrid Open showed its curse on everyone, Andrey Rublev was able to escape the wrath and came out on top. This will also provide him with some confidence coming into Rome as he will be looking to clinch another title after major competitors have already bowed out of the tournament.
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