Russia’s Andrey Rublev poses with the trophy after winning the final against Denmark’s Holger Rune
Andrey Rublev has won a seesaw final at Monte Carlo to claim his first Masters title. The Russian player beat his 19-year-old opponent Holger Rune 5-7 6-2 7-5 to claim the prestigious honor.
Despite being down 4-1 in the decider, Rublev stayed composed and eventually managed to claim the victory on his second match point with an ace at Monte Carlo Country Club.
After two unsuccessful attempts at the final of the Monte Carlo Masters and at the Cincinnati Masters, Rublev was ecstatic to finally claim the title, stating, “I don’t know what to say. I struggled so much to get this title.”
Rune, who rose to fame after reaching the quarter-finals of last year’s French Open, had shown great form in his semifinal win against Italian player Jannik Sinner. Rublev also had a tough semifinal victory over American Taylor Fritz, which affected his fatigue level in the final.
Early in the first set, Rune took the lead with a 4-2 advantage before an unforced error allowed Rublev to break back. Rublev, however, succumbed to pressure, losing his second service game and handing Rune the first set.
After an exchange of breaks, Rublev took a 4-2 lead in the second set, broke to love and leveled the game. Rune lost his composure allowing Rublev to take full advantage and eventually secure his win.
Rune initially took the lead in the decider, moving 3-0 and 4-1 ahead with Rublev struggling to keep up. However, Rublev bounced back, breaking Rune’s serve in the seventh game before breaking it again in the 11th game after Rune received a warning for angrily hitting the ball into the crowd.