Andrey Rublev – “Roger Federer is a True Legend”

The Swiss legend, Roger Federer experienced his quickest defeat in 16 years to a Russian qualifier, Andrey Rublev at Cincinnati Masters 2019. World Number 70, Rublev was captivated after breaking Federer’s serve in his first two service games and within 62 minutes the Swiss was dispatched from Cincinnati Open 2019. 

“Of course, I mean, the biggest and the most emotional win. But I don’t know. I cannot imagine, I mean, how the true champion and legend he is, because imagine is every day how much pressure you have,” he said.

Andrey Rublev adores Federer’s volley and forehand and studies his matches quite often. He further revealed the pressure of playing Roger Federer on a Centre Court. “I mean, to know that you’re Roger and everybody is watching you and you need to prove it every day, and he’s doing this, I don’t know for how many years. I mean, this is something, I don’t know, unreal,” Rublev continued.

Federer couldn’t outplay Rublev’s fast-game in Cincinnati on Thursday, also the young players on the ATP Tour have an urge to play against the ‘Big Three’ of tennis and winning always a bonus for them. And before facing Federer, Rublev eliminated Stan Wawrinka from the tournament.

“Now, I mean, I face it and I see how in life – I mean, because before I see this only on the TV, and when you face it and, I don’t know, it’s just, wow, like, he’s a true legend. Even the way he took the, I mean, the defeat, I don’t know. It’s another level. He just told me, like, No worries. I don’t know. Like in a funny way. It’s so amazing,” Rublev shared. 

Former World Number 31, Andrey Rublev has conceded a straight-sets defeat to his compatriot, Daniil Medvedev in quarterfinals of Western & Southern Open 2019.