Andrey Rublev is ready to pounce

Nationality: Russian
Age: 27
Ranking: 08
Height: 1.88m

I WAS IN Cincinnati in the Northern summer of 2019 that Andrey Rublev announced himself to the world in style. Ranked 70 at the time, the shaggy-haired Russian slugger faced off against Roger Federer in a fourth-round encounter that loomed as a stroll in the park for the great Swiss. I remember watching the match on TV, hoping initially that Rublev would at least make Federer sweat. He did a whole lot more than that. Pounding away at the maestro’s backhand, Rublev won in straight sets. As the players walked to the net to shake hands, I doubt anyone in the stadium could have looked more surprised than Rublev. And in a twist of fate, the pair never played again. Rublev will be able to tell his grandchildren that he had a perfect record against one of tennis’ all-time greats.

In hindsight, Rublev was destined to make his mark in the pro ranks. The son of a boxer and a tennis coach, he began learning the game aged three and would sleep with his racquet; he became the world junior No. 1 in 2014. At the end of 2020, he was named the ATP’s most improved player, having shot up the rankings to be world No. 8.

Since then, he’s played some fine tennis, of course, and been as consistent as anyone. But his progress has stalled. And that fact is messing with his head.

Always highly strung, Rublev in 2024 has been volcanic. You’ll have no trouble finding a compilation of his on-court eruptions on YouTube. Depending on how you’re wired, you might find these amusing or disturbing. What’s inarguable is that the mental state that lies behind them is a roadblock to progression.

In interviews, Rublev has spoken of the expectation that has weighed on him since the juniors, of the profound frustration that accompanies injury, of depressive bouts and, looking further back, to “this old Soviet idea of teaching through yelling, intimidating, even beating”.

Once he’s cooled down, Rublev shows self- awareness and regret. Tour insiders say he’s a great guy. But if he’s to win a Grand Slam one day, a more phlegmatic approach to tennis’ provocations seems essential.

Like Alex de Minaur, Rublev has been unable thus far to win a major quarter final. He’s lost nine of them. And there are non-mental factors behind that, too. He has a big serve and superb forehand, but there’s a certain one- dimensionality to his game, and room for improvement with his net play, footwork and return of serve.

That ‘room for improvement’ is Rublev’s window. He’s young enough – and clearly determined enough – to make changes to his game that could see him crack that QF barrier in 2025. The next phase of his career might begin with a simple resolution: to get back in touch with his love for the game.