Mutua Madrid Open, Madrid, Spain, 2024 - Masters 1000

[MargaretMcAleer]

Of course just when I stated Felix has been serving well, HD returns his serve well and breaks and win the 2nd set 75
Going 3

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I guess?

Always the way isnt it, he gets broken by good returning by HD

 

[El Dude]

Only watched about half the second set, but this match seems like a classic young guy vs. veteran match - and given that FFA is already 23, it shouldn't be that way. He doesn't quite seem to have that fortitude and tenacity to hold the line until the very end, while Rublev is clawing his way back.

That said, I wouldn't be totally surprised to see Felix pull this off, but he has to--pardon the cliche--"dig deep" and find that championship wellspring.

 

[the AntiPusher]

I guess?

ATP bridesmaid FAA has made his appearance in Madrid..at the beginning of match the big hair dude looked greener than his shirt but now has recovered

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

ATP bridesmaid FAA has made his appearance in Madrid..at the beginning of match the big hair dude looked greener than his shirt but now has recovered

Robbie Koeng said that HD had a high temp last night, looked sick in the 1st set, though he has now recovered to level the match

 

[El Dude]

ATP bridesmaid FAA has made his appearance in Madrid..at the beginning of match the big hair dude looked greener than his shirt but now has recovered

Yep. I do think that FAA has the more complete package than Rublev. But he lacks a certain grit. He might be too nice of a guy - doesn't seem to have that killer instinct.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Always the way isnt it, he gets broken by good returning by HD

@kskate2 I thought Keli named him TBHD... jajaja

 

[the AntiPusher]

Yep. I do think that FAA has the more complete package than Rublev. But he lacks a certain grit. He might be too nice of a guy - doesn't seem to have that killer instinct.

Agreed. If there's any player on the ATP top 10 that may crack under more applied pressure is Rublev, Tsit and Zverv. Coach has got to be signally body serve and come to the net.

 

[mrzz]

Decent match, Rublev playing a bit better overall imo, but it can still go both ways.

FAA first serve is keeping him in this one.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Rublev has no real big weapons to really concerns FAA but the footwork has to be better on the BH

 

[the AntiPusher]

Decent match, Rublev playing a bit better overall imo, but it can still go both ways.

FAA first serve is keeping him in this one.

@mrzz the serve can save FAA

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

FAA serve so far is holding up well under pressure in the 3rd set

 

[tossip]

Rublev is about to explode..and Auger is holding on.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Great returning from HD and breaks the serve of FAA, he wins the match 46 75 75!
Well done HD
His 2nd Masters 1000 title
16th career title
He came into this tournament on a 4 match losing streak and found his game and focus!

 

[tossip]

Rublev GSM

 

[the AntiPusher]

Felix was a bit jaded at in the 3rd set but he fought like a champion..

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Felix was a bit jaded at in the 3rd set but he fought like a champion..

His serve was really under pressure from HD, in the 3rd set, he fought well until the end of the match

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Wow,
HD said he nearly didnt play in the final, hasnt slept for a few days, high temp, doctor apparently did his magic

 

[Fiero425]

Felix was a bit jaded at in the 3rd set but he fought like a champion..

FAA had his chances & held serve quite valiantly under pressure from the Redhead! Is he back on track? Are both? Rublev new King of Masters?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Thank goodness Madrid has finished, lets now move on to the Real Clay of Roma!