Article by David Istrate – published Tuesday, April 08, 2025, 12:33 / Updated Tuesday, April 08, 2025 12:34
Marat Safin (45 years old), the former world leader, joined Andrey Rublev's team (27 years, 9 ATP). The Russian tennis spoke about the collaboration with his compatriot that he calls as his “inspiration”.
In 2024, in a difficult time for Andrey Rublev, Marat Safin had an intervention that turned out to be providential in the life of the 27 -year -old athlete. The two told and, following the discussion, the world number 9 looked at itself and managed to move in the right direction.
“I understand the Russian mentality. They are very rarely satisfied with what they have achieved and are often sad. I ask Marat Safin to explain a lot to Andrey. He often comes to us in the cantonment and we are constantly discussing why Rublev behaves like this, because he was doing the same. I speak a lot about life and family. It is easier for Rublev to understand, because Safin had problems similar to his, ”explains Fernando Vicente, Rublev's coach, In an interview with the end of November.
Marat Safin, Andrey Rublev's “inspiration”: “I learned that it is quite ready to work in tennis”
Meanwhile, the discussions between Rublev and Safin have turned into a collaboration, and the double Grand Slam winner joined the team of his compatriot.
“I hope to work for a long time, but it depends on whether he will like to work with me or suffer. Because if they feel like I'm not doing things or I don't listen, I don't think it will waste its time. For the moment I just try to listen and try new things. We will see how it will work, or what will bring, or will happen, “said the tennis players with 17 titles in the track, according to News.ro.
Rublev also explained how Safin came to be a coach, the mental process he went through and what he represented the double winner of the Davis Cup in his career:
“In my depths, I always wanted to work together, but I knew he was not interested. I would never have wanted to put pressure because I really care. Later, I learned that he was quite ready to work in tennis or something, that he would not disturb him.
I said «Ok, even if I won't be myself, at least I can ask. I have nothing to lose if I ask». My agent asked a question, they spoke and little by little we worked together for a few days.
I know him since I was a kid and he was my inspiration. Then he knows me for a few years. When I started playing tennis better, we met more and more. I learned that he was a very good guy and later, in his life, he faced some problems and he managed to overcome them, ”Rublev said in an interview for Tennis.com.
Andrey Rublev is in front of the first official tour with Marat Safin as a coach. On Wednesday, April 9, the Russian will take place with Gael Monfils (38 years, 44 ATP) in the second round of the Monte Carlo tournament.
