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Andrey Rublev he won the title in what was probably the last sports festival in front of at least partially full ranks and qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals. A review of a strong week for the Russian, but also a strong week for the organizers.
by Michael Rothschädl
Last edit: November 2, 2020, 10:52 am
By Michael Rothschädl of the Wiener Stadthalle
Andrey Rublev not only finished the final of the Erste Bank Open with a standing ovation, he also finished a tournament that offered a beautiful and safe parallel reality for seven days. A reality in which world-class tennis is also rewarded with applause from the stands. A reality that will no longer exist in the coming weeks, that cannot exist.
The 1000 spectators and associated background noise at the Wiener Stadthalle will be replaced on Monday by the next ghost event, when the ATP Masters 1000 event begins in Paris. In a city that is struggling with crisis like no other in Europe. The fight against COVID-19 is also fierce in London. A crazy season will be decided in the British capital with the final of the eight best players of the season. Facing empty lines, of course.
Rublev of Austrian origin
“We players really appreciate it, many thanks to the tournament organizers,” Andrey Rublev was also supposed to tell Herwig Straka. The 2020 event was “an investment” and the goal was to make tennis fans happy. That was successful. With a field of participants stronger than ever on Austrian soil, with the exception of the host station of the private broadcaster ServusTV, which played the important role of television broadcast par excellence.
“Many thanks to all who came,” a humble Herwig Straka said to the approximately 1,000 people who patiently attended the award ceremony. Every effort was made to ensure the safest atmosphere possible. However, it is not natural to come here. A little later, you should hear how Andrey Rublev announced a hitherto hidden connection to the Alpine republic. His grandmother, according to the 23-year-old, was born in Austria, but moved to Russia as a child. “She was one of the most important people in my life. I lived with her until I was 16 years old because my school was close. Grandpa took me to train tennis, she prepared food and studied with me,” recalls the Russian. Just a few weeks ago her grandmother died.
Start in Paris
This defeat did not change anything in the Russian’s game. Without losing a set, without losing a service game, the Russian broke to the number five title this season, not just a record for him, no other player has won more trophies in 2020. “These results give me confidence that I am in the right way “, the Russian was going to explain after winning the title. The most important thing now is to keep working, improve weaknesses, reach your “limit”. The understatement is the show for the 23-year-old.
This does not end if the Russian is asked about his qualification for the Nitto ATP Finals, which is tied to winning the title. “It will be great to see what I have to work on when I compete with the best in the world,” Rublev said. Before that, however, he would have “played 100%” in Paris. Jannik Sinner and Kevin Anderson’s homework could have saved him energy. “I feel very good physically.” This is also evident in the field.
While Rublev will go to France on Monday morning, Austria will bid farewell to another lockdown on Tuesday. A good 5500 new infections were reported in one tournament day. In the coming weeks, not only players, but also tennis fans will benefit from this event.
