The tennis community has been closely following Andrey Rublev’s struggles with great concern. While spectators usually find entertainment in players losing their composure on the court, Rublev’s outbursts have evoked a different sentiment. Over the past couple of years, it has become evident that Rublev has difficulty controlling his anger when he steps onto the court, often resulting in him harming himself by smashing his racket into his thigh. Despite his charming demeanor off the court, the frustrations of the game seem to overwhelm him when the umpire calls play.
Rublev’s recent victory at the Madrid Masters, despite battling illness, showcased his resilience. However, this triumph was a rare highlight in a season filled with disappointing defeats and emotional breakdowns. Thankfully, Rublev has experienced a resurgence in form at the Toronto Masters, including a notable win against world No 1 Jannik Sinner, which propelled him to another Masters 1000 final.
Amidst his success in Canada, Rublev has opened up about the depth of his struggles. He revealed that he has been grappling with depression and various personal issues outside of the court for many years. This year, the pressure became too much for him to handle, leading to explosive outbursts during matches. Rublev acknowledges that watching footage of his on-court meltdowns is embarrassing and acknowledges that he failed to manage his emotions and stress during that period.
When asked about how he plans to manage his stress levels moving forward, Rublev shared that he is actively working on it with his coach and seeking outside help. He recognizes the importance of practicing calmness in the face of frustration and credits his coach for providing psychology lessons to aid in his mental well-being.
As Rublev prepares for the upcoming US Open, he hopes that his improved mental health and recent positive results in Canada are indicative of a brighter future on the court.
Photo from Andrey Rublev Instagram
