Andrey Rublev competed at the UTS event in London. Instead of taking a vacation, the Russian opted to keep his competitive form and prepare for the new season. Rublev reflected on his season, mental issues and the latest collaboration between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Rublev reflects on Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray working together
Like everyone in the tennis world, Andrey is intrigued to see Novak’s results with Andy in his coaching box. Rublev questioned Djokovic’s decision to bring Murray into the coaching world. Andrey highlighted the fact that Novak is the most accomplished player of all time.
Andy Murray & Novak Djokovic, Doha 2017© Stream screenshot
World no. 8 is unsure about Andy’s contribution to Novak’s already rounded game, admitting that Novak can not learn anything new. However, Rublev acknowledged the possible benefits of their friendship, highlighting the importance of positive chemistry at the top-tier level of competition.
All 36 match points in the Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray rivalry.
Match #1, Madrid 2006 R3 (Djokovic – Murray 1 : 0) pic.twitter.com/K2Yq3qicpN
— asud (@asud683385) December 3, 2024
Positive vibes aside, Rublev is intrigued to see how things will work between two great friends when Djokovic becomes emotional and throws bad words at his coaching box. Honestly, we all are!
While already completing the game of tennis, Novak can find fresh motivation while working with Andy and seek more glory in the upcoming season. Djokovic and Murray will start their partnership at the Australian Open in January.
Novak Djokovic & Andy Murray, Doha 2017© Stream screenshot
It has sparked curiosity among fans and players, with many wondering how the two former rivals will navigate their new dynamic and turn it into success. Novak parted ways with Goran Ivanisevic in March after nearly five years. He needed a high-profile name as his new coach.
He and his team picked Andy Murray as the new addition to the coaching staff, surprising the Briton and the tennis world! Andy could not say no, returning to action a couple of months after ending his career at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Djokovic and Murray© Djokovic Facebook/Fair Use
Novak’s 2024 Olympic Games gold medal and new goals
Djokovic embraced an incredible run in 2023, fighting in four Major finals and lifting three trophies. Thus, he terminated the GOAT race, leaving Nadal and Federer behind for good. Novak could not repeat those results at Majors in 2024, suffering three losses and one withdrawal.
The Serb set his eyes on the Olympic Games in Paris, chasing the only missing title in his collection. The legend overcame knee surgery and recovered in time for Wimbledon and the Olympic Games. Novak fell to Carlos Alcaraz at the All England Club.
Novak Djokovic, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
He bounced back in Paris, beating six rivals in straight sets and earning an elusive gold medal. As was expected, he did not bother too much with the events in the remaining months of the season. Djokovic suffered an early US Open defeat and played in the Shanghai Masters final.
He withdrew from the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, ending his season earlier and focusing on 2025.
Rublev was defaulted from his match against Bublik
He yelled in the line judges face bc of a call he didn’t agree with.
Andrey says he didn’t say any profanities to the line judge in Russian
Bublik says: “I’m okay to continue.”
Crazy ending… wow.
pic.twitter.com/wBinfhgB1a— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 1, 2024
Andrey Rublev reflects on his season, mental struggles and optimism for 2025
The Russian enjoyed a roller coaster ride in 2024, finishing the season with a 43-26 score. Andrey claimed two ATP titles, including a Masters 1000 crown in Madrid. He secured his fifth consecutive year-end top-10 run and competed at the ATP Finals in Turin.
Andrey Rublev, Hong Kong 2024© Stream screenshot
In a candid interview during the UTS exhibition in London, Rublev opened up about his challenges. He shared his hopes for a more balanced and successful run in 2025. Alongside a couple of good results, there were also moments of frustration and self-criticism.
Andrey, a reserved and soft-spoken person off the court, experienced meltdowns and self-harm during the season, struggling to endure the emotional weight. Despite numerous losses, Rublev wishes all of his upcoming seasons to be as ‘bad’ as this one.
However, he wants to improve his mental health and play calm and collected tennis in 2025, prioritizing that over his results. Rublev’s focus on mental well-being signals a shift in his approach to the game and life.
Andrey Rublev© Andrey Rublev/Instagram – Fair Use
Andrey hopes to cultivate a more stable and productive mindset by prioritizing inner peace over external validation. With his explosive forehand and relentless work ethic, a mentally stronger Rublev could pose an even greater threat on the ATP Tour in 2025.
“Novak is one of the most accomplished players in history. In that way, I wonder if Andy can contribute to his game and add new elements. On the other hand, they are good friends, which benefits their collaboration. We must remember that positive energy sometimes gives much more at this level than anything else. Novak knows tennis better than everyone, and he can feel fresh and motivated with Andy in his box. It will be interesting to see Andy’s reactions when Novak gets too emotional and throws bad words at his team,” Andrey Rublev said.
Tennis World USA