Topics of the week: the Russian admitted depression and Alcaraz ambition. Australian conquers first Masters of his career

Which events on the ATP circuit should definitely not escape your attention? The first of two Masters tournaments before the US Open took place in Montréal and it has a surprise winner. Russia’s Rublyov admitted his mental problems in Canada and Carlos Alcaraz has a clear goal for the rest of the season.

• The Masters Tournament in Montréal has an unexpected winner
• Finalist Rubljov admits mental problems
• Alcaraz didn’t play in Canada, but now has his sights set on the highest goals

The Masters in Montréal has its champion. In the competition of Sinner, Medvedev, Zverev, Hurkacze or Korda, the Australian Popyrin was finally happy. Of the world’s best tennis players at the Canadian Open, only Djokovic and Alcaraz were missing.

Alexei Popyrin was in great form at this tournament. He made his way to the finals with a great run that saw him knock out many of the favourites.

In his final match of the tournament, he also took on Russia’s Rublyov. The latter surprised himself by triumphing over the world number one Sinner, but did not find a recipe for Popyrin.

Popyrin’s success catapulted him from seventh to top ten in the ATP rankings. The 25-year-old is currently ranked 23rd. His final opponent has also made progress.

Rubljov also confided his mental problems during the Masters. “I have been struggling with depression for many years,” the Russianadmitted at a press conference.

His explosive behaviour on the courts is the flip side of remaining calm in private. But lately, the number six ranked player is feeling better. Let’s hope that a final appearance in Canada will only add to him in that regard.

Alcaraz and his ambitions

Olympic silver medallist Carlos Alcaraz has enjoyed a little time off from competing on the courts. Now, however, he is preparing for the follow-up Masters tournament in Cincinnati.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is happy with the progress he is making. He’s able to win matches, even if he’s not playing great.

And Alcaraz has won a lot lately. He has won 20 of the last 22 matches he has entered. He has also openly admitted his ambitions. The Spanish tennis player would like to be world number one by the end of the year.

He has an open road to that. Even with Sinner’s failure in Montréal, Alcaraz can replace him in the elite position quite soon. The tournament in Cincinnati will give a hint. As the number one and number two seed , the two young players may meet in the final.

But beware, Popyrin is in the tournament’s lineup again. And even though success is often followed by a weaker result, the Australian may meet Alcaraz in the second round in Ohio.

Source: ATP, Sportskeeda