“Playing for your country is always so special”: Andrey Rublev

“Playing for your country is always so special”: Andrey Rublev

Andrey Rublev will lead a strong Russian charge in Tokyo

In an interview for ITF confirming his commitments to the Tokyo Olympics, Andrey Rublev made it very clear how he feels when he plays for his country Russia before going to Tokyo to make his Games debut.

“It feels different”: Rublev on representing Russia

Rublev says he feels passionate about playing for his country

“When you play tennis matches for your country, it’s always a different feeling, it’s always so special,” said Rublev when asked how he feels while representing his nation.

He will be looking to earn a medal for serial winner Russia, who has a habit of consistently winning medals in all categories. It ranked 4th at the 2016 Rio Olympics. There is no Russian athlete that will ever be found lacking passion and making an ‘excuse’ like injury or tiredness and Rublev is one of those.

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Rublev features as part of a strong Russian team full of stars including Daniil Medvedev, Karen Khachanov and Aslan Karatsev.

“Special moment for me”: Rublev

rublev olympic debut
Rublev will get his first taste of Olympic action

“I have never played them (the Olympic Games), so for sure it’s going to be a special moment for me,” the 23-year-old told the ITF.

“It’s amazing, for two or three weeks the whole world will be watching all sports everyday. This is what makes the world more together. You don’t just play for yourself, you play for your team, your country and it’s always filled with an amazing feeling” added Andrey, who will be backed by a 150 Million strong population back home.”

“Circuit tennis can’t be compared to country”: Rublev

rublev russia team
Rublev leads a strong Russian contingent including Daniil Medvedev,Karen Khachanov and Aslan Karatsev.

Rublev also says that life as a circuit player is very different to life as a country player. “It’s different, it’s difficult to compare our life as a player on the circuit and when you wear the colors of your country.”

Rublev is one on a list of a star studded lineup of players appearing at the Olympics, including tournament favourite Novak Djokovic and 2012 and 2016 gold medalist Andy Murray. He will also be helped by the absence of other superstars, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to name a few.

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Also Read: Alexander Zverev all set to challenge Novak Djokovic in Tokyo