The celebratory roar after Andrey Rublev’s Madrid victory had barely faded when a different kind of story began to emerge. The champion, usually radiating confidence, spoke of a secret battle – a physical challenge so severe it threatened to derail his dream run. The new World No. 6’s words offered a glimpse into the unseen sacrifices athletes make, the silent struggles that can accompany triumph.

Felix Auger-Aliassime gave a good fight to Rublev in his first Masters 1000 final appearance. Aliassime took the advantage in the first set, causing Rublev to shift into second gear to fight back. The Canadian player’s serve was fantastic throughout the match, but a double fault at the championship point handed Rublev the title. Rublev’s fight to the final and his thrilling 4-6 7-5 7-5 comeback victory are even more awe-inspiring knowing he battled illness the entire time.

Before the final, Rublev battled an illness which caused his throat to close up. “Tomorrow we will find out if its Angina, I don’t know if you know, or it’s some virus, but the throat is completely blocked. And my throat for nine days, it’s impossible to swallow, impossible to eat and headache full because of it,” Rublev revealed in a post-match interview.

He further claimed he was full of medicines, “Because of injections man, painkillers. So for 2-3 hours, painkillers full. Inside of me is full of medication.” Although painkillers help with most illnesses, anti-inflammation drugs cannot take it away entirely. Regardless, Rublev had the fire to fight to the end and even beat Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal.

The Russian has developed a reputation as a hot head when on court. His outbursts and racquet smash drew a lot of criticism in the last few months, but after his win, he showed how he is ready to move past it.

Andrey Rublev finds peace after months of violent reactions 

In the 2023 ATP Finals, Rublev bloodied his knee after smashing his racquet on the joint several times. In the 2024 Dubai Tennis Championships, Rublev was disqualified in the semifinal against Alexander Bublik for screaming at a line judge after a perceived incorrect call. The Barcelona Open saw him lose to Brandon Nakashima in his opening round, which was followed by a racquet smash.

He turned around in the Madrid Open as we did not see a similar reaction from him in the tournament, but his victory was not the only reason. After he won the final, he wrote, “Samadhi, now I’m free,” referring to the state of oneness achieved through meditation, which likely helped him fight through illness.

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The new world number 6 will aim to have a peaceful mind as he steps into Rome and eventually the French Open. Will peace be with him or escape him in a frustrating situation once again?