“Every Week He Has to Prove That He’s the Best”: Andrey Rublev Lauds Roger Federer

For Andrey Rublev, the Western and Southern Open holds special significance. Just a year ago, he earned probably the biggest victory of his young career, beating Roger Federer. The Russian youngster won 6-3, 6-4 in a Round of 16 contest. While that remains a memorable victory for the 22-year-old, Rublev feels he got another peek into why Federer is considered as a legend of the sport.

“It was an emotional and special match. As I’ve said many times before, I was (even) more impressed with Roger. Imagine how tough it is for him, that every week he has to prove that he’s the best,” Rublev said on the sidelines of the Cincinnati Open 2020.

Andrey Rublev in awe of Roger Federer

“We played third or fourth round, not even first round. How much attention (was there) on him because he lost. Even if I lose in the first round, I don’t have that much attention… No one really cares. With him, he needs to play the final every week to not have this attention that he lost… So imagine how much pressure he has and every week he proves that he is the best in history. This is amazing,” Rublev added.

Rublev expressed that he was in awe of Roger Federer throughout the match despite playing some of his best tennis against the 20-time Grand Slam winner. Rublev then said that Federer’s graciousness in defeat and accepting that it was not his day, impressed him even more.

When Rublev stunned Federer at Cincinnati

Rublev broke Federer thrice in the match and dominated the champion player with strong forehand winners. He looked fearless against the former world number one but denied any claims that he was not fearful during the match.

“I was playing in fear,” Rublev said with a smile. “You cannot imagine when I was a set and break up, what was in my head. I was shaking and I was not even able to drink water. But these are the moments for which we are playing tennis.”

Throwing more light on his nerves during the match, Rublev said that he did not even look at his team once as he knew even they would be nervous. “I remember I was not watching the score and I was not watching my team. Because when I look at them I know they are shaking as well… I did not want to see anyone. It was only me,” Rublev said further. “Those emotions were one of the best and that is why we are playing tennis.”

Rublev, world number 14, lost to Dan Evans in the first round at the Western and Southern Open. He is expected to be the 10th seed at the US Open as well.

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