Italian Open: Andrey Rublev faces shocking defeat against Alexandre Muller in 3rd round

The story of Andrey Rublev this season has been the real talking point for everyone. The Russian started the season with underwhelming performances which included 4 losses in a row which had put his season in question. However, he made a solid comeback winning the Madrid Open title ensuring he got his first ATP 1000 title of the season. This was perhaps the best moment for him so far.

Andrey Rublev was also a favourite going into the Italian Open as well. The Russian was looking good this season with some great performances in the last two matches. He was a 100 per cent favourite to win the third-round game vs lower-seeded player Alexandre Muller. Everyone was expecting another one-sided victory and an easy 4th round qualification for the talented Russian.

Rublev's shocking exit

This was supposed to be another moment for Rublev to win his second consecutive ATP 1000 this season. His victory against Muller was looking certain as he won the first set comfortably winning 6 games to 3. However, Muller had further plans as he won the second set to put Rublev under pressure once again winning 6 games to 3. Suddenly, a game that was supposed to be one-sided turned into one of the most intense and gruelling games in the tournament.

Many still expected Rublev to come back in the last set, but it was another surprisingly underwhelming performance by him as he lost the last and final set in the most brutal fashion. Muller winning 6 games to 2 made sure he ended Rublev's journey in Rome and kept him out of the title race. This was really one of the biggest upsets in the tournament no one would have ever expected. We all thought that Rublev had his worst days behind him after Madrid, but this loss brings all the pain back and is not really the best thing to happen to him going into the upcoming French Open.