Russian Andrey Rublev clinched his first ATP Masters 1000 title after defeating Danish Holger Rune 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 in the Monte-Carlo Masters final. Fifth seed Rublev made the most of teenager Rune’s nerves to win a see-saw battle that lasted for two hours and 43 minutes. It was an intense clash between the two biggest ball-strikers on the ATP Tour, and finally, the Russian prevailed to claim the most prestigious title of his career at a sun-drenched Monte Carlo Country Club. The 25-year-old Russian struck 33 winners and rallied from 1-4 in the deciding set to earn the 13th and biggest title of his career.

Rublev stayed calm and composed when it mattered the most and sealed victory with his fifth ace of the match, dropping to the court in celebration. It was Rublev’s third attempt in a Masters final after failing at the final hurdle here in Monte Carlo and in Cincinnati in 2021. With his 18th tour-level win of the season, Rublev improved to 1-2 in ATP Masters 1000 finals.

Rune, the youngest Monte Carlo finalist after Rafael Nadal in 2005, was aiming to win his second ATP Masters 1000 title. Rublev and Rune both started well with their aggressive groundstrokes, but the 19-year-old Danish player used his drop shots more effectively to disrupt Rublev’s momentum in the opening set. He then opened a 4-2 lead on his second opportunity to break, only for an unforced forehand error to allow Rublev to break right back. Rune then saved seven of the eight break points he faced and broke his opponent in the 12th game to seal the set.

Rublev produced an incredible fightback and responded quickly in the second set. The Russian won 90 percent (9/10) of his first-serve points and was more clinical in the big moments on return, forcing Rune deep with his power to break twice and forced a decider.

Rune, however, found gravity-defying angles to break first in the decider, moving 3-0, and 4-1 ahead. But Rublev kept fighting and after breaking in the seventh game, he broke Rune’s serve again. At 5-5, Rune gifted Rublev the decisive break when he struck a double fault at 30/40. Rublev then closed out on serve to improve his ATP Head-to-Head series 2-1 against Rune.

I was hoping deep inside that at least maybe I would have one chance, said Rublev said. I don’t know what to say, I am just happy, I struggled so much to get this title, concluded Rublev.