Compared to a few months ago, Andrey Rublev feels better emotionally and hopes to return to his best level soon. The Russian ace has put in some strong performances in the first two months of the new year, but has yet to find the consistency that allowed him to climb the ATP ranking during his best moment.
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At this stage of his career, the player from Moscow alternates good days and decidedly negative performances that cause him defeats even against second-rate opponents. The most important thing is that he has found the right serenity and that he feels good while playing, avoiding those scenes of self-harm that had accompanied him last season.
Andrey won the prestigious Doha ATP 500 last week, proving that he can still make a difference when he is fully focused on tennis.
This edition of the tournament in Qatar was very important due to the presence of stars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, while world number 1 Jannik Sinner was unable to participate due to his suspension for three months.
Rublev defeated British ace Jack Draper in the final at the end of a really tough battle, in which the Russian was more mentally solid in the decisive moment.
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Kafelnikov talks aboutRublev
Interviewed by the Russian website 'Championat', former world number 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov commented on Rublev's triumph in Doha: "I don't understand why I should be surprised by his victory in Doha last week. I am very happy that he lifted the trophy in such a prestigious tournament, we all want him to return to play his best tennis and have fun on the court. I really hope that this victory will give him a lot of confidence from a psychological point of view."
Unfortunately, Andrey's run at the Dubai ATP 500 ended immediately, as he was defeated by French ace Quentin Halys in three sets after a battle of over two hours.
