Andrey Rublev has reportedly hired fellow Russian Marat Safin to join his coaching team for the clay-court swing.
It is not en entirely surprising move given Rublev’s recent struggles and his relationship with Safin. The 27-year-old has lost his opening match at five tournaments already this season, including at the Australian Open (to Joao Fonseca) and now three in a row (Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami). He is No. 9 in the world but 21st in the race to Turin.
Rublev has been in frequent communication with Safin over the years and had “one big talk” with the two-time Grand Slam champion following a first-round loss at Wimbledon last summer. It was Rublev’s first exit from a major since the 2021 French Open.
“I would think, with myself, I know I’m honest,” Rublev said in February. “I have no problem to say if I’m wrong or right, or when I’ve made mistakes, but the conversation [with Marat] showed I was also lying to myself about many things and I didn’t want to understand or notice them. You need someone who can make you see yourself in an honest way. This will help you be more honest with other people.”
He added that Safin helped with “fixing his head” at times in 2024.
Rublev’s upcoming schedule includes the Monte-Carlo Masters and an ATP 500 tournament in Barcelona. His clay-court swing is also expected to be headlined by Masters 1000 events Madrid and Rome followed, of course, by the French Open. He is the defending champion in Madrid.
Fernando Vicente remains Rublev’s full-time coach.
interesting pairing
Yeah Safin far more talented, Rublev more consistent
Both head cases,
Wasn’t me.
/ racquet smashers
Wasn’t me.