"Playing such outstanding masters, you get a new experience every time that helps in the future" - Andrey Rublev on beating Djokovic, Federer & Nadal
With his win over Novak Djokovic at the Serbia Open, Andrey Rublev became the second Russian to beat each member of the Big 3. Rublev has recorded one win against each of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic.
Rublev defeated the Swiss in their only meeting at the 2019 Cincinnati Open. He beat Nadal in his third attempt at the 2021 Monte-Carlo Masters and Djokovic in their second meeting in Belgrade on Sunday.
Speaking to Kommersant after his title win, Rublev acknowledged the scale of his achievement, whilst heaping praise on the legendary trio.
"It's clear that it's insanely nice," Rublev said. Playing such outstanding masters at different stages of your career, you get a new experience every time that helps in the future."
However, the Russian believes winning Masters 1000 events and Grand Slams would count for more.
"But all this still cannot be compared with the titles, especially those won at the masters and Grand Slam tournaments," he added.
Nikolay Davydenko is the only other Russian player to have beaten each of the Big 3. Former Russian star Marat Safin never managed to beat Rafael Nadal, while among current players Daniil Medvedev failed to defeat Federer in any of their three meetings.
"That's very cool" - Andrey Rublev on serving up a bagel to Novak Djokovic in front of the Serb's home fans
During the interview, Andrey Rublev was asked to describe his feelings after serving Novak Djokovic a bagel in the deciding set of the Serbia Open final. Rublev said that the experience was "very cool" before pointing out how the Serb understandably enjoyed the lion's share of the support.
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"That's very cool. And the fact that the whole stadium was rooting for Novak... So it's absolutely normal," Rublev said. "I knew perfectly well that it couldn't be otherwise."
Novak Djokovic entered Sunday's final having played three three-setters in a row. Against that background, Rublev was asked if he fancied his chances of scoring a win over the World No. 1 the longer the match progressed.
In response, the Russian pointed out that the Serb got an extra day's rest ahead of the summit clash. He also pointed out how the 34-year-old has a history of recovering magnificently from grueling encounters.
"No. Novak, unlike me, had a day of rest before the final, and it seemed to me that he would have time to rest," Rublev said. "In addition, I remember well how many times Djokovic managed to recover from marathons at Grand Slam tournaments. That's why I didn't feel my superiority physically."
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