Rublev Wins 2nd Career Title On 22nd Birthday In Moscow, Mannarino Runner-Up Again

For the second straight year Adrian Mannarino was denied a title by a Russian in the Moscow final. The Frenchmen lost to Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-0 in the Sunday title match.

The win for Rublev, the second of his career, was made extra special because the Russian celebrated his 22nd birthday.

“I’m at a loss. I can’t find the right words for what it means to me to win here,” said Rublev who has won 19 of his last 25 matches. “I grew up with this tournament. I spent my whole childhood at the VTB Kremlin Cup. I will remember this tournament and this win for many years, and I’ll hopefully be playing this tournament for many years down the road.”

Rublev, who was struggling with injuries earlier in the year, will now see his ranking break the Top 25 for a first time.

Mannarino falls to just 1-8 lifetime in ATP finals.

“It’s another great week for me in Moscow and I always enjoy competing here,” said Mannarino who lost to Karen Khachanov in the 2018 final. “It was just too good from him today.”