Andrey Rublev collected his second Masters 1000 title by overcoming not only Felix Auger Aliassime, but a debilitating persistent illness which had been affecting him all week, to win the Madrid Open in a nerve-wracking, two-hour and 48-minute, three-setter. I would say this is the most proud title of my career, I was almost dead…
Its probably the most prestigious ATP 1000 level event on the professional circuit and one most players would be happy to include on their CVs at the end of their careers: the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters played on the glamorous playground of the Principality of Monaco overlooking the Mediterranean. I did my job relatively well….
In a serving battle Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime proved the stronger against French wildcard Quentin Halys as he powered into the second round of the Open 13 Provence event. The seventh-seeded Canadian was in confident mood after reaching the semi-finals in Montpellier last week, prevailing 6-2 7-5 at the indoor ATP 250 event in Marseille….
A number of marquee names made their first appearances at this year’s Australian Open and progressed successfully to round-two having overcome that tricky first hurdle at the first grand slam of the season. Even if it was frustrating, I needed to stay tough and strong, and I’m happy I did because now I’m really happy….
