Madrid Open: Andrey Rublev prevails over Taylor Fritz, sets up final with Felix Auger-Aliassime

Andrey Rublev made little work of American Taylor Fritz when he won 6-4, 6-3 in their semifinal on Saturday to vie for his first Madrid Open title.

Rublev will face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final on Sunday.

Auger-Aliassime advanced after Jiri Lehecka had to retire at 3-3 in the first set of their semifinal, joining a long list of players injured at the event.

It was the third walkover for Auger-Aliassime of Madrid Open. He advanced to the third round when Jakub Mensik retired hurt, entered semifinals without playing a ball when Jannik Sinner pulled out and Jiri Lehecka's retirement offered him a straight pass into the final.

Rublev has been in particularly remarkable form as he downed two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in their quarterfinal clash.

The Russian is seeking his 16th career title and his second of the season after winning Hong Kong in January. He has a 5-1 record against Auger-Aliassime, including a win in their sole matchup on clay.

Auger-Aliassime, on the other hand, is seeking his sixth career title.

The men's side of Madrid Open has been marred by a series of injuries even before the Masters event got underway.

Novak Djokovic withdrew before the tournament. Jannik Sinner, Jakub Mensik, Jiri Lehecka and Daniil Medvedev all pulled out citing injuries at various stages in the event while Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz was nursing a sore arm during his last 8 match against Rublev.

Alcaraz eventually pulled out of next week's Rome Masters with a forearm injury.