Andrey Rublev lost in straight sets to Alexei Popyrin in the final of the Montreal Open.
While defeats in the final are always difficult to take, Andrey Rublev has had a truly exceptional week for several reasons.
After Rublev opened up about his mental health struggles this week, he has also seen progress results wise, beating world number one and the defending champion Jannik Sinner on his way to the final.
Avenging his French Open conqueror Matteo Arnaldi in the semi-finals, the Rublev managed to reach his sixth career Masters 1000 final.
Despite being outplayed by the shock finalist Alexei Popyrin, who moves to a career high of 23, Rublev will also receive a rankings boost into sixth, just behind Daniil Medvedev.
After a compelling week, Rublev has outlined how he hopes to approach Cincinnati, with his focus now shifting on to the US Open.
Andrey Rublev outlines his goals for the Cincinnati Open
While getting matches under your belt before a major tournament is often advised, Rublev’s successful run in Montreal has managed to relieve some of that pressure.
“I will just focus now to take a really good lesson. This week has been amazing for me for my tennis, for my improvement, for my ranking,” he explained in his press conference.
“Take a lesson to make improvement and be ready for the most important tournament, the US Open. To get ready in the best shape and best mental part as possible.
“I still have one more tournament in Cincinnati, I will go there free just to play tennis, we will see how it goes. I don’t have much time to adapt. It is a tough tournament and a tough draw but I will try to enjoy. We will see what is going to happen if I try just to enjoy next week.
With his attitude seeming less critical and harsh, the question remains as to whether Rublev has turned a corner and can finally make a proper run at the majors.
Is the US Open title still beyond the reach of Andrey Rublev?
Rublev’s major form has never matched his regular tour form, with the Russian never reaching beyond the quarter-finals, despite eight times of asking.
It feels a doomed concept to try and predict if maybe this’ll be the moment Rublev can pounce – however I’m going to try.
When you’ve beaten the two players who have won the three majors this year, Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, you are primed for a deep run.
The hard courts are Rublev’s favorite surface by miles and his huge ball-striking ability has never been more obviously on show than this week in Montreal.
While his quarter-final curse is bound to cause him a few nightmares, it is nearly always because he has faced one of the top three seeds at that stage.
Now, having beaten what will be two of the top three seeds for the US Open, perhaps his luck is about to turn.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
