Andrey Rublev drops major praise on Felix Auger-Aliassime
World No. 7 Andrey Rublev called Felix Auger-Aliassime “one of the greatest players now” after beating the Canadian in the Montpellier final. Rublev, seeded at No. 2, defeated third-seeded Auger-Aliassime 7-5 7-6 (4) to win Marseille.
It was the fourth meeting between the two as Rublev now leads the head-to-head against Auger-Aliassime 3-1. Rublev was beaten by Auger-Aliassime in the Rotterdam semifinal the week earlier. “All the battles I have had with Felix since the first time back in 2018 have had drama,” Rublev said in his on-court interview, per the ATP website.
“All have had at least one set that went 7-6 and now he is one of the greatest players. Especially this season, he is on top now. It was a pleasure to share a court with him and have an amazing final like this”.
Rublev claimed a tight straight-set win
Auger-Aliassime saved two break points in the opening game of the match, before claiming the first break of the match in the second game.
However, Auger-Aliassime’s lead was short-lived as Rublev broke back in the third game. Auger-Aliassime saved three consecutive break points in the fifth game but also failed to convert a break point in the sixth game.
Rublev earned his second break of the match in the 11th game and served out for the opener in the following game. Rublev was twice up by a break in the second set but Auger-Aliassime twice recovered as the two players were tied at five games apiece after the opening 10 games of the second set.
Auger-Aliassime paid the price for failing to realize a set point in the 12th game as Rublev realized his first match point in the tie-break to book a straight-set win. “I had to increase my level otherwise I would have had no chance against Felix,” Rublev said.
“From 5-4 he started to play even better and I was thinking it would go to three sets. But somehow I was able to raise my level and in the end it was tough”.
Source : tennisworldusa
