Andrey Rublev is now a title holder in both men's singles and men's doubles at the Madrid Open after trouncing Félix Auger-Aliassime in three sets.
It is Rublev's first individual title, following his Men's Doubles win last season with Karen Khachanov.
This feat made him the only player in the Madrid Open's history to win the competition in two categories.
Rublev, currently ranked world No. 5, had to go through the eye of the needle, as his opponents on his way to the title were among those expected to win.
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His most high-profile opponents were Taylor Fritz, currently ranked world No. 5, and back-to-back Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz.
While Rublev's road to victory was treacherous, his biggest and hardest battle was in bed, as he came into the tournament contained by sickness.
Rublev says he was almost dead everyday
The 26-year-old Russian tennis star was grateful to the team behind him, especially doctors, after keeping him conditioned despite an illness.
"I would say this is the most proud title of my career," he told reporters.
"I was almost dead every day. I was not sleeping at night. The last three, four days I didn't sleep."
He even thought he was in no great shape to compete for the title.
"I have no words. If you knew what I had been through in the past nine days you wouldn't imagine I'd be able to win a title."
Despite the odds, Rublev won to earn himself his 16th title overall.
His next stop is the Italian Open 2024, where other tennis greats will compete. Among them are Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
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