Andrey Rublev is poised for an exhilarating showdown with Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the much-anticipated final of the Madrid Open. The seventh-seeded Russian secured his berth in the final by dispatching Taylor Fritz of the United States with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory, marking his second final appearance of the year.
Rublev’s journey to the final has been marked by impressive displays of skill and determination. In a statement following his victory over Fritz, Rublev expressed his focus and determination, saying, “Each match is a new challenge, and I’m just trying to stay in the moment and play my best tennis.”
Andrey Rublev with 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters Trophy
His opponent, Felix Auger-Aliassime, has also demonstrated formidable resilience throughout the tournament. Auger-Aliassime’s path to the final saw him capitalising on opportunities, including advancing due to injuries to his opponents. Reflecting on his journey to the final, Auger-Aliassime remarked, “It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level.”
However, Auger-Aliassime’s advancement hasn’t been without controversy, as injuries have played a significant role in his progression. The Canadian reached the semifinals after top seed Jannik Sinner withdrew with a hip injury and benefited from Jakub Mensik’s retirement due to injury in the last 32. Despite these circumstances, Auger-Aliassime remains focused on the task at hand, stating, “I’m taking each match as it comes and staying mentally prepared for the final challenge.”
In contrast, Rublev has navigated a more conventional path to the final, showcasing his prowess with a hard-fought victory over second seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals before sealing his spot in the final with a straight-set win over Fritz in the semis. Reflecting on his journey, Rublev emphasised the importance of maintaining focus and intensity, saying, “Every match presents its own challenges, and I’m prepared to give my all in the final.“
