Andrey Rublev has had to go through a number of difficult moments this season, including some personal events that have not helped him to express himself at his best on the tennis court. The Russian player had several injuries and health problems, which could have had very serious repercussions if doctors had not intervened in time.
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The champion from Moscow won the Masters 1000 in Madrid in 2024, also beating 4-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz during his amazing run. Fans hoped that triumph would help him turn his season around, but the Russian ace never found the right consistency and suffered several unexpected and painful defeats.
Andrey seemed to have regained confidence during the summer, when he reached the final in the Montreal Masters 1000 after defeating current world number 1 Jannik Sinner. The Mutua Madrid Open champion was the big favorite to lift the trophy against Alexei Popyrin - who had no experience at those levels - but the Australian ace clearly prevailed in the last act.
The feeling is that Rublev needs to take a break from tennis and recharge his batteries in view of 2025, when he can return to play a leading role on the professional tour. The Russian ace has practiced with his friend Alexander Zverev in Paris-Bercy and is ready to make his debut at the last Masters 1000 of the season. Andreys first opponent - who benefits from a bye in the first round - will be the winner of the clash between local idol Halys and Argentine ace Francisco Cerundolo.
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A realfight
The fight to enter the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin is not only thrilling fans, but also the very players who are hoping to get their pass for the Turin event reserved for the worlds top eight. Andrey Rublev revealed some interesting considerations in the media day of the last Masters 1000 season in Paris-Bercy, which have in a way surprised fans: "During the year I barely check the rankingor watch tennis, but for weeks I constantly analyze what can happen, seeing who my rivals play against and things like that" he told the media.
He added: "Its stressful but its part of the sport. In any case, the players who can deprive me of being in Turin are wonderful people. If I dont qualify, Ill be happy for them". The Muscovite, therefore, constantly monitors the Race that guarantees the top 8 to play in the Finals from 10 to 17 November. The 27-year-old is currently in eighth place and must naturally watch his back, as does Casper Ruud (seventh and not so far from the Russian). The number one danger is Alex de Minaur, less than 200 points away and recovering after his injury with the semifinal reached at the ATP 500 in Vienna. Further back Grigor Dimitrov, who reached the final last year in Bercy, and American aceTommy Paul. The competition in Paris will be almost decisive for the stakes.
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The current top 10 of the Race:
Jannik Sinner 10340
Carlos Alcaraz 6720
Alexander Zverev 6325
Daniil Medvedev 4830
Taylor Fritz 4300
Novak Djokovic 3910
Casper Ruud 3855
Andrey Rublev 3720
Alex de Minaur 3555
Grigor Dimitrov 3150
A very troubled season
The Russian player would like to gain confidence by achieving a great result before the end of the season, perhaps already in Paris-Bercy this week. Rublev will be able to play without much pressure, as all the eyes of the fans will be directed towards Sinner and Alcaraz.
As already mentioned, the last few months have not been easy for the player from Moscow. During an interview with BetBoom Tennis, Andrey revealed something truly shocking: After the US Open I was preparing for China, and a couple of days before the flight I needed an operation, which, if not performed, could have led to amputation.
I was lucky that it all became clear in the first three to four hours, because after five or six hours, amputation becomes necessary. In the end, everything was done in time, and it ended better than expected. Before the operation, the prognosis was not very pleasant: That I would have to lie in bed for a month, that I would not be able to do anything. I am glad that I was able to come back quickly. They told me after the surgery that I might be lucky to be in Shanghai. And then I said, Okay, if I might be lucky to be in Shanghai, then theres a chance to be in Beijing. So here I am. No one from my team expected me to be here
