Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev is looking to turn things around in his career, and his latest move has fans buzzing. In a surprising development, Rublev has teamed up with none other than former World No. 1 Marat Safin. Known for his fiery personality and deep knowledge of the game, Safin is expected to bring a new spark to Rublev’s team, joining forces with long-time coach Fernando Vicente.
Though Rublev has known Safin for years and previously sought his advice, he had never made the bold move to officially bring him on board—until now. After a tough 2024 season marked by personal struggles and even bouts of depression, Rublev decided it was time to shake things up with a fresh perspective from someone who truly understands the mental and physical demands of professional tennis.
Their coaching partnership kicked off at the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, where Rublev had claimed the title in 2023 by defeating Holger Rune in the final. In this year’s tournament, the Moscow native delivered an impressive opening-round win over French veteran Gael Monfils in straight sets. However, his run came to an abrupt halt in the following match, as rising French talent Arthur Fils overwhelmed him, dropping just five games.
For now, the full scope and duration of Rublev and Safin’s partnership remain unclear, though it’s expected to continue through at least Roland Garros. Time will tell if this high-profile pairing will pay off.
Rublev to Play Mixed Doubles at the US Open
In another exciting twist, Rublev announced his plan to compete in mixed doubles at the 2025 US Open—a rare move for the Russian.
This year, organizers have scheduled the mixed doubles competition for the week before the singles main draw—a decision that has stirred some controversy in the tennis community. Regardless, Rublev seems fully on board and has chosen Czech star Karolina Muchova as his partner. The duo promises to be a formidable team and will use the event as preparation for their singles campaigns.
