Montreal Masters: Rublev sets up final clash with Popyrin
MONTREAL – Andrey Rublev advanced to his second ATP Masters 1000 final of the season on Sunday, setting up a championship clash against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in Montreal. The fifth-seeded Rublev, who claimed the Madrid Masters title in May, overcame a two-hour rain delay to defeat Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-4, 6-2 in the semi-finals.
Rublev, who has faced challenges throughout 2024, including on-court frustrations and a disqualification in Dubai, skipped the Paris Olympics to focus on the North American hardcourt season, a decision that appears to be paying off.
“If I’m in the finals of Montreal, it must be working,” Rublev said, reflecting on his strategy to prepare for the US Open.
In the final, Rublev will face Popyrin, who secured his spot by defeating last week’s ATP Washington winner Sebastian Korda 7-6 (7/0), 6-3. The Australian will be competing in his first Masters final, while Rublev will be contesting his sixth.
Popyrin acknowledged the significance of reaching the final, saying, “It means the world to reach this final, it’s amazing… But tomorrow will be all hands on deck and back to work.”
Rublev and Popyrin have met before, with Popyrin winning their last encounter on clay in Monte Carlo. However, Rublev remains a formidable opponent on hardcourts, where his quickness and aggressive play pose a significant threat.
As Rublev prepares for the final, he expressed satisfaction with his performance in Montreal, despite the rain delays that disrupted the event. “I’m happy to be in my first Canadian final. Now I just want to recover, rest, and be ready for tomorrow,” he said.
(Source: AFP)
