“My place as world number five?” I’m a little lucky, “admits Andrey Rublev

Andrey Rublev thinks he is “a bit lucky” to be world number five given the absence of Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem.

The Russian star, who already has 46 victories to his name in 2021, won a title this year in Rotterdam and reached the final of three events including two Masters 1000 tournaments in Monte Carlo and Cincinnati.

Despite an impressive comeback, Rublev only reached this year’s Grand Slam quarter-final after reaching the final stages of the Australian Open.

Reflecting on his position as world number five in the standings, Rublev believes he was lucky to overtake Nadal and Thiem, who were absent due to injury.

“My place as world number 5? I’m a little lucky. It’s true that I had a good season, surely my best, ”said Rublev.

“But I took advantage of the fact that Rafael Nadal doesn’t play a lot of tournaments. Dominic Thiem was also injured. Both have lost a lot of points in the standings.

“I passed them but got a little bit of luck.”

The Russian will start his campaign at Indian Wells against Carlos Taberner before a clash with Dusan Lajovic or Tommy Paul in the third round.