The last few months have been really tough for Andrey Rublev, who has had to face very serious problems off the tennis court. The Russian ace admitted that he suffered from depression and his recent results have certainly been influenced by this situation, with the hope that he can get better as soon as possible to focus only on tennis.
ADVERTISEMENT
The player from Moscow was not lucky at the Australian Open the first Grand Slam of the new season in which he immediately had to face young talent Joao Fonseca. Although he had no experience at this level, the Brazilian ace put in a performance bordering on perfection by winning in three sets after shooting more than 50 winners.
The current world number 10 played more convincing tennis in Montpellier last week, reaching the semifinals and showing a better attitude than in the recent past. His run in France ended against American Kovacevic, but the signs shown by Andrey lead to optimism for the near future.
Kafelnikov talks about Rublev
Rublev has already made his debut in the Rotterdam ATP 500, a tournament that suits his game very well. The former world number 5 defeated Chinese Zhang in two sets and will face the winner of the match between Struff and Marozsan in the next round.
ADVERTISEMENT
If he wants to return to compete at the highest level, it is essential that the Russian champion finds the necessary serenity off the field as well.
Interviewed by the Russian broadcaster 'TASS', former world number 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov reflected on the current status of his compatriot: "I don't talk to Andrey on a daily basis and I don't know exactly what has happened to him in recent months, so I don't feel like giving him advice.
I hope he has competent people around him and that he receives the right directions. I'm not in a position to say anything to him, because I've never faced a situation like this."
The 2024 Mutua Madrid Open champion has not solved his problems yet, but he seems to be on his way to shine again.
