Russia’s Andrey Rublev has made a name for himself as a big-hitter. Apart from the naturally built powerhouses, very few players on the ATP Tour possess his dismissive strength. Over the years, the star has worked a lot on his game. This has made him one of the most destructive players currently on the circuit. He has brushed aside many of the top players in the world, the biggest of them being the great Roger Federer.

Born in Moscow, Rublev has been invested in the sport from a very young age. He has been ranked as high as No.7 in the world, in early 2021. Though he is yet to make a Grand Slam semifinal, Rublev has reached multiple finals on the ATP Tour. Famously known for his “bweh!” grunts, the Tokyo 2020 gold medalist has won 2 titles in his senior career. Yet, a key highlight of his young career came in a tournament that he didn’t win.

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Rublev fondly remembers his ‘best day’ when he faced Roger Federer

Back in 2019, the Russian entered the Western and Southern Open as just another potent contender. Nobody expected the World No.7 to create the storm that he ended up doing so. It was all going well for the then unseeded player, until he ran into 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in the Round of 16. Contrary to what everyone anticipated, Rublev romped to the win of his career. He produced some of the best tennis he has displayed and emerged victorious 6-3 6-4.

Looking back, the Russian sensation gladly recalled the day he beat the player he looks up to. “No that was amazing [beating Federer in Cincinnati 2019], it was the day of the week for sure. The day of the year that everything was perfect. The match was perfect from my side. I did something that I’d never done before mental-wise. Then after the match, I went straight to a rock concert. So it was perfect, it was like the best day.”

Despite showing flashes of brilliance on multiple occasions, Rublev is yet to make it count on the biggest stages. Can the US Open be his homecoming? His focus will be on the Cincinnati Open 2021 before he heads to New York. Having performed solidly on hard-courts and with the draw opening up, this could be the perfect opportunity for Andrey Rublev to cash in.

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