“No Space for Everyone”: Andrey Rublev Responds to Roger Federer’s Prediction

After winning his fifth ATP title in Austria, Russia’s Andrey Rublev is leading the tour in titles this season. What makes this breakout season more incredible is that Roger Federer predicted it. Currently present in Bercy for the Rolex Paris Masters 2020, Rublev responded to the Swiss maestro’s prophecy.

After being under the influence of the Big Three for a long time, tennis is finally starting to see its new stars shining. With back-to-back wins at the ATP Finals, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas lit the torch. Following that, the Austrian Dominic Thiem lifted his first Grand Slam at the US Open this year. After that, Rublev concluded the 2020 season with his fifth title of the season, surpassing Novak Djokovic’s four titles.

While answering a local Parisian’s question regarding the impact of Federer’s prediction, the Russian acknowledged his solid competition.

“Andrey Rublev is going to do something special” – Roger Federer

World No. 8 Andrey Rublev has successfully registered himself in the year-end finale for the first time. Apart from that, the Russian has gotten himself in the good books of the Swiss legend. Early in the season, Roger Federer had said, “I say that Rublev’s is going to do something special.”

While the rest is history, Rublev expressed his admiration for such support. He said, “Well, of course, it’s amazing when such a legend says something in this way.”

The Russian filed his 15 consecutive ATP 500 win in Austria and 19 of his last 20. Taking this ahead, Rublev is also one of the few few contenders left in Paris Bercy. While top-seeded Rafael Nadal is the favorite, the 23 years old will look to put on another dazzling show.

“I am going to try my best”: Russia’s Andrey Rublev

As the 2020 season nears its end, Andrey Rublev will perform at the two tournaments that are left. Keeping his competition in retrospect, Rublev said, “But as I was saying in the beginning of the season, it’s not only about me, because all the young guys are so good, all the players are working hard, all of them are having amazing seasons, having an amazing level to be on the top and then there is no space for everyone.”

Roger Federer, however, seemed confident enough in Rublev’s abilities to him from the rest. The Russian recognized the faith invested in him as he added, “I am going to try my best but the rest are also doing their best so we will see then how it’s going to be.” 

Andrey Rublev’s 2020 season has been undeniably incredible, but can he top that with an ATP Finals win? Is the ‘something special’ Federer mentioned yet to arrive?

Also Read: Daniil Medvedev Picks Rafael Nadal and Andrey Rublev as the Favorites at Rolex Paris Masters 2020