“I Can Show Him the Road, But He Needs to Walk It”: Marat Safin on Coaching Andrey Rublev
Former World No. 1 Marat Safin has shared his thoughts on working with fellow Russian Andrey Rublev after officially joining his coaching team.
Rublev has endured a rocky start to the 2025 season. After a surprising early-round defeat to Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca, the 26-year-old rebounded by capturing the Qatar Open title. However, his form quickly dipped again with consecutive first-round exits in Dubai, Indian Wells, and most recently, the Miami Open.
In the wake of Rublev’s Miami loss, it was announced that Safin— a two-time Grand Slam champion— would begin coaching him. The pair has already started working together, including appearances at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, where Rublev is a regular fixture.
When asked what he hopes to bring to Rublev’s game, Safin was candid in expressing that success will ultimately depend on Rublev’s own commitment.
“Well, it depends on him,” Safin said. “I can show him the road, but he needs to walk it. Nothing happens like magic — it takes hard work and persistence.
“I think he’s willing to do it, but how long that motivation lasts… that’s a question only he can answer.”
Their new partnership will face its first major test next week when Rublev competes at the Monte-Carlo Masters, an ATP 1000 event that could serve as a turning point in his season
