'If we're both fit enough, why not?' Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal reaffirm Paris Olympic doubles hopes in Madrid

Andrey Rublev picked up his sixth career ATP title in St. Petersburg over the weekend and yet he still isn't just basking in his own accomplishments. Instead, the 23-year-old Russian raved about Rafael Nadal.

"I cannot imagine how—I’m not even talking about the Grand Slams—it is possible what he is doing," Rublev said. "To be mentally that strong all your life and all your career, I don’t know how it is possible."

Rublev cracked the Top 10 for the first time after a quarterfinal run at Roland Garros, which Nadal would win for his 13th title in Paris and 20th career major. With his title in St. Petersburg, Rublev moved on up to No. 8 while Nadal is currently No. 2. They have only faced off once, at the US Open in 2017 with Rublev picking up just five games.

Advertising

Rublev raves about Nadal's mental strength

Getty Images

While Novak Djokovic is ranked No. 1 and Roger Federer also has 20 Grand Slams, Nadal still stands above the rest in Rublev's eyes.

"Rafa is the only one player in history that it doesn’t matter how he feels, bad or good. In the end he always finds a way to win," Rublev said. "I don’t know how it is possible to be this strong mentally during all his career."

Rublev is tied with Djokovic with four ATP titles under his belt in 2020. He began his career-best season by winning Doha and Adelaide before taking home the Hamburg trophy on clay and then finishing on top in St. Petersburg on Sunday.

Advertising

Baseline