Rublev over the moon: "I needed this match".

Andrey Rublev is enjoying a season unlike any other.

Alternating between excellent performances and incomprehensible breakdowns, the Russian is going through all kinds of emotions this year.

Having arrived in Canada lacking confidence, the world number 8 produced the perfect match last night to topple defending champion and world number 1 Jannik Sinner (6-3, 1-6, 6-2).

Faced with an Iyalian lacking pace and not yet at 100% physically, the 26-year-old made the most of his opportunity.

Interviewed in the press conference, Rublev made no secret of his delight: "It was a very good match. I played very well today. I'm happy to have won.

I don't know, I don't have much to say. Because at the moment, I still don't understand what's going on. Jannik is an incredible player. He's been playing incredibly well for the last two years.

I was just hoping to be able to fight with him and show some great tennis. In the end, I think we had a lot of good rallies. To win a match like that is always special.

I needed this match. Especially after some bad moments this year. Of course I'm happy."