Andrey Rublev Adds Former World No. 1 Marat Safin to Coaching Team
World No. 9 Andrey Rublev has enlisted the help of former World No. 1 Marat Safin for the upcoming clay court season. While Fernando Vicente remains his primary coach, Rublev is looking to refine his game and gain a fresh perspective from the former Grand Slam champion.
Safin’s Influence on Rublev’s Mental Game
Rublev and Safin have been in discussions for some time, with Safin offering guidance to help the struggling star develop a more positive mindset. Despite maintaining a top-10 ranking, Rublev has battled inconsistency over the past few seasons, often showing emotional outbursts on the court.
At times, his frustrations have led to self-inflicted injuries with his racquet, highlighting his mental struggles. Rublev even took anti-depressants for a year, but his outlook began to change when Safin stepped in to provide support and advice.
Rublev’s Journey Through Ups and Downs
Rublev ended the 2024 season with a 43-26 record, including a title at the Madrid Masters. However, his year was also marked by a controversial default in Dubai, which affected his confidence for months.
He rebounded briefly in February 2025, winning the ATP 500 title in Doha by defeating Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Jack Draper. Yet, his form dipped again with early exits in Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami.
A Fresh Start on Clay
Now, Rublev is looking for a reset as he enters the Monte Carlo Masters with Safin by his side. This marks Safin’s first official coaching role, though he previously led Russia’s ATP Cup team.
With Safin’s experience and leadership, Rublev hopes to bring stability to his game and return to championship form during the clay season.
