Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime both faced challenges before the 2024 Madrid Open final. Auger-Aliassime had to take a medical timeout during the match to get a leg massage, while Rublev dealt with various health issues after the final.
Rublev struggled with an illness and foot problems, even needing a numbing shot to play. Auger-Aliassime appeared defeated towards the end, moving slowly due to his leg issue. Rublev capitalized on this to secure the win.
Auger-Aliassime admitted to experiencing cramps and a stomach bug earlier in the event, impacting his performance. Rublev emerged victorious, closing out the match after seeing his opponent struggle.
“It’s been a strange week. I also suffered problems with my stomach in the middle of the tournament. One day I wasn’t sure if I could play, and Mensik just got off. It’s strange, I don’t know. Rublev too, I don’t know if there have been a virus maybe in Madrid.”
“I was lucky not to play in the quarters or semis, and even so, today I had cramps I think it’s something physical, it hasn’t happened to me many times in my career. I guess my body was tired of fighting the virus all week.”
Sinner’s withdrawal and Lehecka’s early retirement in the previous rounds worked in favor of Auger-Aliassime, giving him much-needed rest. This proved crucial as he navigated through his own health issues leading up to the final.
