Monte Carlo 2023: Rublev topples Rune to win his biggest career title

Andrey Rublev dug deep, recovering from a set down, then 1-4 in the third set to beat Holger Rune 5-7, 6-2, 7-5, becoming the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters champion.

It's Rublev's first Masters 1000 title after appearing in two finals at this level in 2021 - Monte Carlos Masters and Cincinnati Masters. It also makes it his third career title in total.

Rune got the first break of the match for a 4-2 lead in the first set. On his fifth break point, Rublev broke right back, but Rune grabbed the set for 7-5.

Rublev recovered from the set down, confidently winning the second set 6-2, forcing a third and deciding set.

Rune had the third set for the taking at 4-1 lead, but he lost steam, and Rublev stayed focused to get his well-deserved win for his biggest career title.

For his first ATP Masters 1000 title, the Russian has become only the third player in the Open Era to make comeback wins in both the semifinal and final at Monte Carlo after Ivan Lendl (1988) and Ilie Nastase (1971).

“Congrats to Andrey. It’s your 1st 1000 title, it’s huge. Congrats to your team as well. You’ve been working very very hard, you deserve it and good luck for the future. Last but not least, I want to thank the crowd. It’s been absolutely amazing,” Rune said on his loss to Rublev.

"I just want to say a big thanks to all of you guys. Being from a country where I’m from and to have international support all over the world, it means a lot. So thank you so much.”

“First, I’d like to congratulate Holger Rune for the amazing week. I know it’s tough to lose in a final. But man, you’re too freaking young, man. You already have a 1000 title. At least give me one time to win it,” he said.