Andrey Rublev is back in action and looking to turn his season around after a rocky start, having not won a singles match since February. The Russian star, who began his year with a surprising defeat at the Australian Open against Brazilian upstart Joao Fonseca in straight sets (6-7, 3-6, 6-7), found some form when he triumphed at the Qatar Open. There, he secured impressive victories over notable competitors including Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Jack Draper. However, his success in Doha was short-lived, as Rublev subsequently lost his next three matches, prompting him to seek a fresh perspective ahead of the clay court season.
In a strategic move, the 27-year-old has brought former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin onto his coaching team. This decision has drawn comparisons to the recent coaching changes made by other players on the tour, notably Taylor Fritz's hiring of Paul Annacone, which significantly boosted Fritz's performance last year, helping him break into the top five and reach his first Grand Slam final.
According to former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, Rublev's choice to enlist Safin is a wise one, as he explained on the Tennis Channel, "Listen, it makes a lot of sense for a lot of different reasons. Sometimes you just need a different voice, credit to Fernando Vicente and the job that he’s done with Andrey Rublev over the years." Roddick emphasized the importance of having someone like Safin, who understands the pressures of the tour, saying, "You’re a little nuts, I’m a little nuts, you like wearing goofy sunglasses, I like wearing goofy sunglasses, we can both hit winners off the forehand and backhand side at any moment, this seems like a great match."
Adding to the excitement, renowned coach Paul Annacone weighed in on the partnership, expressing optimism about the potential synergy between Rublev and Safin. He noted, "I think this could be a really good match, but it’s up to Andrey to buy in and actually put things into action and be patient with himself." Annacone pointed out that while Rublev's game has no major flaws, the key to improvement lies in his mental approach: "It’s going to be driven by what’s going on between his ears."
Reflecting on his own experiences, Roddick shared insights from when he hired Jimmy Connors as his coach, noting that it was advantageous to have someone who wasn’t overly familiar with the current field. "Now I think this is advantageous for someone like Rublev who doesn’t need a scouting report on everyone. He’s been around ten years, he’s seen the top to bottom of the top 100," Roddick explained. "It’s about balls and strikes, how do we take Andrey’s game and make it the most effective version?"
Rublev's history on clay has been impressive, with six titles to his name on the surface. His most recent victories include the 2024 Madrid Open, where he defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime (4-6, 7-5, 7-5), the 2023 Swedish Open against Casper Ruud (7-6, 6-0), and the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, where he overcame Holger Rune in a thrilling final (5-7, 6-2, 7-5). These successes have positioned Rublev as a formidable contender on clay, and he is eager to add another Masters title to his collection.
As Rublev gears up for the Monte-Carlo Masters, he faces French veteran Gael Monfils in his opening match on April 9, 2025. With the clay court season upon us, Rublev is determined to break his Grand Slam quarter-final jinx, having faced disappointment in ten previous attempts to reach the semifinals. "I hope [Safin] will be my coach for really long, but it depends if he will enjoy working with me or he will suffer," Rublev candidly stated about his new partnership. He understands the need to adapt and listen to his coach to foster a successful working relationship.
Rublev's acknowledgment of his struggles mirrors those of his new coach, Safin, who faced his own challenges during his playing career. "He had his own struggles that he went through, and I was always afraid to ask [about] those things, but inside I always wanted to," Rublev admitted. This connection may prove beneficial as Rublev navigates the pressures of high-stakes matches.
The tennis world has been buzzing with coaching changes recently, with Andy Murray teaming up with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and Dinara Safina, Marat's sister, also making headlines by joining forces with rising star Diana Shnaider. These moves highlight a trend of players seeking experienced mentors to elevate their games.
As Rublev embarks on this new chapter with Safin, the anticipation builds not just for his performance at the Monte-Carlo Masters but for how this partnership will impact his overall career trajectory. With a strong foundation of experience and a shared understanding of the mental battles faced on the court, Rublev hopes to harness Safin's insights to finally break through the barriers that have held him back.
The clay season is a critical time for Rublev, and with the support of a seasoned champion like Safin, he aims to reclaim his spot among the elite in men’s tennis. The journey ahead is filled with promise, and fans will be watching closely to see if this dynamic duo can turn the tide for Rublev as he seeks to add to his impressive clay court resume.
