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Andrey Rublev Reveals How Rafael Nadal Influenced His Barcelona Open 2021 Participation
Russian World No. 7 Andrey Rublev has been playing some unbelievable tennis in 2021, and one of his recent results was incredible even by his standards.
The 23-year-old Russian recently qualified for his first Masters 1000 final in Monte-Carlo. Although he lost the title to Stefanos Tsitsipas, he achieved something rather remarkable on his way to the final.
Andrey Rublev opens up on his Barcelona Open 2021 participation
After winning a thrilling three-setter against Roberto Bautista Agut, the Russian was set to meet 11-time Monte-Carlo champion, Rafael Nadal. It was the quarterfinals, and Andrey Rublev had predetermined the outcome.
As a result, the Russian accepted the Barcelona Open 2021 wildcard a day before his match against Nadal. He thought that he was done in Monte-Carlo and would have enough time to recover for the new tournament.
“When I confirmed to play Barcelona, it was right before match with Rafa,” he said smiling. “I was thinking in my head that Friday probably I will be already in Barcelona.”
Rublev: When I confirmed to play Barcelona it was right before match with Rafa (smiling) I was thinking in my head that Friday probably I will be already in Barcelona.
I think I can play on Wednesday, so I have like 2 days off, which is more than enough. We’ll see how I will feel— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) April 18, 2021
However, Rublev came out with a nothing-to-lose attitude and threw everything he had at the king of clay. By far, it was one of the most epic matches of his entire career.
To reiterate, it was not easy as the Spaniard picked himself up in the second set. Many even believed that Rublev would succumb to the 20-time Grand Slam champion in the decider set, but he did not.
Thus, after battling toe-to-toe for two hours and 33 minutes, Rublev defeated Nadal 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. He then went on to make it into the finals, losing to the Greek in straight sets.
Even so, the eight ATP singles titles winner is sure that he will be ready for another strenuous week in Barcelona. Rublev is the third seed and will face the winner between Benoit Paire and Federico Gaio in the second round.
Read More: Andrey Rublev Leads ATP Finals Race, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Roger Federer Nowhere Close
Rublev’s incredible 2021 season
Rublev is currently second in the race of Turin ahead of Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic and finalist Daniil Medvedev. He has bagged 2400 points in the seven tournaments he has played so far.
These include him being the ATP Cup champion, making it to the Australian Open quarterfinal, being Rotterdam Open champion, making it to the Qatar Open semifinal, Dubai Open semifinal, Miami Open semifinal, and a Monte-Carlo final.
Hopefully, he will continue playing well throughout the season, and a big win would not be far from him. Do you think Rublev can win his maiden Masters or even a Slam this year?
Also Read: Will Roger Federer Be Out of the Top 10 Before Mutua Madrid Open 2021?
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