Andrey Rublev takes next step in Monte Carlo but is this it for Holger Rune's Patrick Mouratoglou 'mission'?

Holger Rune’s bid to revel in the NextGen spotlight briefly vacated by fellow teen Carlos Alcaraz came up just short as Andrey Rublev finally made his mark at Masters 1000 level by winning the 2023 Monte Carlo title. Rune, 19, was tipped to prevail in Sunday’s showpiece in the principality but could not capture his second Masters 1000 title to add to the one he won in Paris in November. Ad For Rublev it brought to an end to a long journey to triumph at a tournament at this level and he was almost in tears after sealing an emotional victory.

ATP Monte CarloRublev wins maiden Masters title after thrilling comeback against Rune in Monte Carlo20 HOURS AGO Paul Hassall was at the Monte Carlo Country Club to once again cast his eye over the action and chew over some talking points from the final. Rublev lays to rest Masters 1000 hoodoo Rublev is no stranger to winner’s trophies but his cabinet is bursting with seven at ATP 250 level and five at ATP 500 events – not the prizes he grew up dreaming of lifting. That is until now.

This Monaco success finally ends that painstaking pursuit for one at a higher tier for the world No. 6. Rublev had made no secret of his desperation to push his career CV to a higher plane, and it was third time’s a charm in a Masters final as he also chalked up a fourth title on clay to cement his status as a top player on the surface.