Coach opens up on Andrey Rublev's darkish place in 2024 and turning to skilled assist

Coach Fernando Vicente confirmed that Andrey Rublev was in depressive state for months after that notorious Dubai incident and that in the end led to him visiting a psychologist a number of instances per week.

Early within the 12 months, the Russian tennis star made a few notable outcomes after profitable Hong Kong and in addition reaching the Australian Open quarterfinal. Then, he made the Dubai semifinal earlier than completely shedding it late within the match towards Alexander Bublik and lashing out at a line umpire – he screamed on the umpire’s face and acquired disqualified.

Andrey Rublev and line umpire© YouTube screenshot

Within the subsequent month and a half, Rublev went simply 1-4 and did not seem like himself on the court docket. Additionally, he misplaced within the French Open third spherical and exited Wimbledon within the first spherical.

“After Australia, I was sure that we would have a great year. However, then this situation arose in Dubai, which had never happened to Andrey before. After that, Andrey completely lost focus, which resulted in a complete disaster at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. One situation destroyed the season. Because of this, we decided to skip the Olympics. Although Andrey managed to win the Masters in Madrid,” Vicente instructed Championat.

On paper, it wasn’t a very spectacular second a part of 2024 however it was main enchancment contemplating how badly he felt at one level.

“Yes, very deeply. We tried to be there for him, support him, went to a psychologist three times a week, where we talked about Rublev remembering where he was when it all started, and what heights he managed to reach. This is a normal situation. As a coach, I also face a lot of problems during the year — family, children, other problems. But in the end, we finished the year in a good position and are looking to the next season with great hopes,” Vicente added.

Vicente explains why Rublev is like that

Within the locker room and amongst followers, the 27-year-old is broadly considered probably the most likable gamers and is commonly described as very good and type. However there’s additionally that facet when the world No. 8 can completely lose it on the court docket and even flip to self hurt.

The Spanish coach, who has labored with the previous world No. 5 for years, says Russians on the whole are by no means happy in order that explains some issues. Additionally, Vicente revealed that they’re involved with Marat Safin, who has been attempting to move on some recommendation to Rublev.

“I’ve been working with Andrey for nine years now. I understand the Russian mentality. You are rarely satisfied with what you’ve achieved, you’re often sad. I ask Safin to explain many of these things to Andrey so that he, too, understands where it comes from,” the coach defined.

Vicente displays on Rublev’s gorgeous Madrid win that occurred whereas battling an sickness

After not doing effectively for 2 months, the Russian got here to the Madrid Masters together with his throat totally infected. At instances, it was so unhealthy that even the docs did not know what was taking place however he nonetheless managed to win the title. Later, he was recognized with tonsil abcess – a situation that in some circumstances may even be life threatening.

“Yes, he was sick all week. I can’t imagine how you can win a tournament with such throat problems. He could barely breathe, the night before the final Andrey slept on the floor, zero energy, but he won — I don’t know how. Overall, it’s been a crazy season,” Vicente recounted.

That victory helped Rublev but in addition his group understand to the fullest how a lot he was impacted by stress and expectations. In Madrid, he was sick and did not stress himself nor overthink.

“Absolutely. He didn’t waste extra energy on scolding himself, because he could hardly speak, ha-ha. And he behaved just fine on the court. The entire second half of the season we explained to Andrey why he was able to win in Madrid. Precisely because he went to bed on time, didn’t sweat it, could skip the warm-up when he felt it was necessary. In general, he approached everything calmly and wisely,” Vicente famous.

For Rublev, certainly one of his greatest objectives stays lastly making a Grand Slam breakthrough as he’s a shocking 0-10 in his Slam quarterfinal matches.