Andrey Rublev, ranked ninth in the world, credits conversations with former world No. 1 Marat Safin for helping him overcome his mental struggles and play without stress for the first time in years. The Russian has battled emotional outbursts on the court, which have often overshadowed his performances.
However, he recently displayed his best form by winning the Doha title, signaling a shift in his mindset. Returning to Dubai, where he was disqualified last year for alleged obscenities, Rublev insists he has moved on from past incidents.
Reflecting on his struggles, Rublev admitted to feeling lost for years, questioning his purpose and experiencing prolonged emotional turmoil. He described the weight of dealing with such feelings over an extended period, noting that while short-term struggles can be managed, ongoing mental battles become overwhelming.
At one point, he tried anti-depressants for a year but stopped when they no longer proved effective. His turning point came in July when he sought advice from Safin, who was no stranger to emotional outbursts during his own career.
Rublev credits Safin with helping him gain clarity and initiate a fresh start, allowing him to move in a more positive direction. While he does not claim to be entirely happy or in a perfect mental space, he emphasizes that he no longer feels overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or depression.
He now considers himself emotionally neutral, which he sees as a solid foundation for further improvement. Rublev will begin his campaign at the Dubai Championships against French qualifier Quentin Halys.
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