Andrey Rublev overcame illness and a foot injury to claim the Madrid Open title in a thrilling final against Felix Auger-Aliassime. Despite battling a suspected virus for over a week, the Russian managed to fight back from a set down to secure his second Masters 1000 title.
Rublev, who revealed that he will need to return to the hospital for further treatment, expressed his surprise at the severity of his illness. He also disclosed that he required an anaesthetic to numb the pain in his foot during the final match.
The 26-year-old, who had been struggling with poor form coming into the tournament, showcased his resilience by defeating top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz on his way to the championship.
Reflecting on his victory, Rublev emphasized the importance of staying focused and continuing to improve his game. He credited his success in Madrid to his hard work and determination.
Looking ahead, Rublev is now focused on recovering and preparing for the upcoming tournament in Rome. Despite the challenges he faced in Madrid, the Russian remains determined to push forward and build on his recent success on the court.