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
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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. Alarms were raised during Andrey Rublev’s recent match when some fans suspected they witnessed him vomiting on the court. While there’s no confirmation from official sources, here’s what fueled the speculation: “Did I see Rublev vomiting on the court?” commented a fan.
Did I see Rublev vomiting on the court?
— David P (@itsmeDJPinCA) May 5, 2024
The following fans suggested Rublev appearing unwell, potentially explaining FAA’s strong start, leading 4-1 with two breaks). “Andrey seems sick 🙁 FAA’s luck is too much….” Another fan highlighted the same concerns over Rublev’s health: “As an Andrey Rublev fan, I’m is he not well?”
A fan reinforced the observation of Rublev’s potential illness, highlighting the unusual scoreline and questioning his physical state. “FAA is leading 4-1 with two breaks up. Andrey Rublev does not seem 100% fit to me, but I’m not sure if I am misinterpreting something..”
Players typically use breaks to rehydrate and strategize. Skipping a drink and immediately changing sides could indicate fatigue or discomfort. “Andrey Rublev immediately changing sides after the first game in the second set – didn’t drink anything. #MMOPEN”, this specific detail mentioned by a fan added weight to the theory.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
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.