Andrey Rublev displayed remarkable composure during his impressive victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Madrid Open, a departure from his usual demeanor.
Defeating Alcaraz at the Madrid Open is no easy feat, especially with the crowd rallying behind him. Alcaraz began the match strongly against Rublev, securing the opening set with precise play.
It took Rublev some time to adjust to the level of play, but once he did, he dominated the match. His performance was exceptional, hitting precise corners with his serve and unleashing powerful forehand and backhand shots.
Rublev even anticipated Alcaraz’s drop shots, successfully retrieving several key points. His impressive comeback was notably devoid of complaints.
While he may still be affected by the Dubai Championships incident that nearly cost him dearly, Rublev cited fatigue as a factor in his subdued behavior.
Rublev humorously remarked that his lack of energy prevented him from complaining during the match, opting instead to focus on conserving his energy for the game.
“I had no energy and no power to do anything else besides just to focus on the game. I had no energy to complain today (smiling).”
His approach paid off as he clinched the match convincingly, with Alcaraz unable to mount a significant challenge in the final set, ultimately losing 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
This victory was crucial for Rublev, who had suffered four consecutive losses prior to the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid. He acknowledged that the Dubai incident had taken a toll on him, but now he is on a four-match winning streak and looking to extend it further.
