The often painful background of sporting success often remains hidden from the public. It was no secret that Andrei Rublev triumphed at the Masters in Madrid despite his poor form. However, the Russian tennis player only admitted after his last successful performance that he was suffering from fever during the entire tournament and only made it through the final thanks to painkillers. I have to go back to the hospital and find out what’s going on with me, said the number six player in the world.
Andrei Rublev arrived in Madrid without form and with a streak of four defeats. Still, he didn’t find a winner in six games. He knocked out local Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz and celebrated his second Masters 1000 title on Sunday.
Shortly after the triumph, he also admitted that he was fighting fevers in the Spanish capital, eating baby food and added that he was also dealing with painful toe problems.
“I’m sick and I’m probably going back to the hospital tomorrow (Monday) to get a full checkup and find out what’s going on with me,” Rublev said in an interview with Sky Sports after the nearly three-hour final with Félix Auger-Aliassim.
“I’ve been sick for about eight or nine days now and it’s not getting much better, which isn’t normal. It’s weird because I’m usually sick for two or three days at most. I might have a fever, but nothing too bad. But it’s the first time I’ve felt this bad, “ he explained after his sixth win in nine days and one of the biggest achievements of his career.
It is said that he almost did not start the final match, only painkillers saved him.
“They put anesthetics in my toe because it got inflamed somehow. I couldn’t even put my shoe on, it hurt like a fracture. So I took anesthetics so I wouldn’t feel it and not think about it while playing.” admitted the twenty-six-year-old Russian.
Editing of the finale
In the coming hours, days at the most, it will be decided whether Rublyov will be able to defend the round of 16 at the next 1000 in Rome. “I played great tennis from the first match and I want to build on that. But the most important thing for me now is to recover and try to prepare for Rome.” added Rublev.
Auger-Aliassime: I also had a temperature
Defeated finalist Auger-Aliassime also labored with the virus in Madrid. Before the third round with Jakub Menšík, who eventually gave up on him, he was said to be considering withdrawing from the tournament.
“Yes, I’ve had some stomach issues and a fever. And I hear I’m far from the only one here. It’s been a weird week.” said Canada’s first clay-court Masters finalist, who played just seven games in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Jannik Sinner did not play against him at all and Jiří Leheček scratched.
Článek původně publikován pro Livesport Zprávy.
Tags: Fever inflamed finger anesthetics hospital Rublev triumph Masters Madrid
