Speaking to Tennis Channel after the match, Rublev said the fact that he had not played in a Tour-level event since Wimbledon meant he was fresh and motivated to do well.
Rublev admitted he got off to a bit of a slow start against Fognini, but started to feel more confident after winning a tight first-set tiebreak. The fourth seed, who was given a first-round bye, said he needed some time to adjust to the conditions as opposed to his Italian opponent, who had already played a match in Toronto.
Rublev will take on big-serving John Isner in the third round on Thursday. The Russian, who lost to Isner in the Madrid Open earlier this year, is aiming to reach his first quarter-final since Halle in June.
When asked about the prospect of facing the towering American, Rublev shook his head and said it was “like going to the casino.”
“After the Olympic Games, it is easier to play here” - Andrey Rublev on playing in tough conditions in Tokyo
During the interaction, Rublev also spoke about the conditions in Toronto. The Russian explained that the windy conditions made things a little tricky for the players. Rublev did, however, admit that “it was a bit easier to play here” after having experienced the hot and humid weather at the Tokyo Olympics.
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