Andrey Rublev’s personal coach gives insights into the disturbing behavior of the Russian
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina recently stunned Andrey Rublev in the round of 16 of the Barcelona Open.
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Fernando Vicente and Andrey Rublev (via Getty Images)
Despite the constant changes in the tennis circuit, Andrey Rublev and his coach, Fernando Vicente, have been together since 2017. A former World No. 29, Vincente has also previously coached Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez. Vicente sat down for an interview with Punto de Break and delved into his relationship and experiences with Rublev.
Throughout this career, Rublev has clinched 17 ATP Tour singles titles, including two Masters 1000 titles at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters and the 2024 Madrid Open. He has reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams. Vicente believes that the Slavic mentality is much different than that of players in his homeland, Spain.
The Spaniard reckoned that the Russians don’t just enter the tennis court to play, but they “go to war”. Vicente and his team work on trying to instill a sense of calmness in Rubelv to help him navigate the challenges he faces during matches.
You see a good boy suffering so much and you think, ‘F*ck, you get what you want, you do what you want, but it’s never enough.’ He has a totally different mentality than the Spanish. They don’t go to the tennis court to hang out, to play a game, you know; they go to war. All these behaviors don’t come overnight; it’s something that comes from afar. It usually comes from childhood, from the way they were raised, and there are things I can’t tell you, but hey. He’s a very good boy.
Fernando Vicente via Punto de Break
Rublev recently turned to two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin for a new coaching partnership. Safin joined Rublev alongside current and remaining head coach Vicente ahead of the clay season. Safin won the 2000 US Open by defeating Pete Sampras in the finals and the 2005 Australian Open by defeating Lleyton Hewitt in the finals. He also helped lead Russia to Davis Cup titles in 2002 and 2006.
Safin is, in fact, no stranger to Rublev or Vicente. Safin has been a mentor of sorts to his younger compatriot, with Rublev having also credited him with “fixing his head” during tough times in 2024.
Except for the Qatar Open title, Andrey Rublev has had a disappointing season so far
Andrey Rublev has had a disappointing season so far except for the Qatar Open title, and the clay season has been no different. Entering the Monte Carlo Masters as a former champion, he was knocked out during the round of 16 by Arthur Fils.
The Frenchman has been in good form this season and reached the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells and Miami Open, and now the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open too. After the match, a despondent Rublev revealed that he was completely demolished by Fils. He had nothing to complain about but his performance, as he failed to raise his level.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina stuns Andrey Rublev at Barcelona Open
Andrey Rublev also failed to make a mark in his next tournament as well at the Barcelona Open. He was stunned by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the round of 16. Rublev had a 5-0 head-to-head record over the Spaniard before the match.
Losing so many times to Andrey was a psychological pain, more than a tennis pain. Today I was able to play well in the important moments, I’m competing well and enjoying myself on the court. This is what makes me more dangerous.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina said at Barcelona Open press conference
Monte Carlo Masters semi-finalist Davidovich Fokina broke three times in the first set, with Rublev twice reacting before the 25-year-old held to love in the 12th game. Rublev went a break down in the first game of the second set, albeit securing one of his own for 2-2, he was once again broken as Davidovich Fokina took a 5-4 lead and then served out for the match, again to love. Davidovich Fokina will face another Russian, Karen Khachanov, in the quarterfinals.
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