Fernando Vicente, Rublev's coach: "Russian players are sometimes too unhappy"

Mónica Barberán Munera | 30 Nov 2024 | 16.00

Andrey Rublev and Fernando Vicente at the Australian Open 2024. Photo: Getty

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Andrey Rublev has had a year quite marked by his mental ups and downs, especially after that incident in Dubai that led to his disqualification from the tournament. On his path and by his side, Fernando Vicente, his coach for about 10 years, does everything possible to help him improve his tennis and his mindset. The Russian is not an easy person on the court, as his frustrations often lead him to lose his temper and not focus enough on the matches. However, the Spanish coach believes that the results of good psychological work in recent weeks came to light at the end of the tunnel at the ATP Finals, where we could see a calmer Rublev despite the defeats. In an extensive interview for the Russian outlet Championat, Vicente talked about this evolution, things to improve next year, whether he sees his pupil capable of winning a Grand Slam, or the pressure that Russian tennis players face.

Positive feelings on a mental level in Turin

"Compared to last year, I'm sad for Andrey because he had a good tournament, but the level of the opponents was too high. Last year was a disaster, especially from a mental perspective. Rublev played well back then, but after losing a set... I don't want to say that Andrey gave up because he never gives up, but mentally he lacked positive thinking, the understanding that he could turn the match around. During the tournament, we talked every day that the main goal was to stay in the match until the end and not allow behaviors that have often occurred this year. I am very proud of how he behaved on the court, but at the same time, it saddens me that he put in so much effort and got no result. I'm happy because he had opportunities in every match, performed well on the court. This is a great foundation for next year if Andrey behaves like this consistently."

Things to improve next year

"We will try to improve his game, although in tennis, there is always a lack of time for that. We know that Andrey lacks some skills: coming to the net more often, not making mistakes on easy shots near it. We need to improve our second serve. Yes, we have improved his speed compared to last year, but sharpness is still lacking. Compared to the top players, both defense and movement need improvement. Still, Rublev remains below them."

Will there be a different Rublev in 2025?

"Everyone wants that. Andrey finished this season eighth in the world. At the same time, many things happened in 2024. He suffered a lot mentally and experienced behavioral issues. He couldn't find the right mood during matches. He often loses to lower-level players. I would give his behavior on the court this year a 4 out of 10. We remember what happened at the Dubai tournament when he was disqualified."

Very tough on himself

"I have been working with Andrey for nine years. I understand the Russian mentality. You are rarely satisfied with what you have achieved and often you are sad. I ask Marat Safin to explain many of these things to Andrey so that he also understands where he comes from."

This is the Russian mentality

"Nine years is a long time together, but at the same time, I am always open to any discussion. Many times, I have told him: 'Andrey, if you decide you need another coach, no problem.' If Andrey comes tomorrow and tells me, 'Fernando, thanks for everything, but I think it will be better this way,' then I will be happy. I just want the best for him. Yes, he pays me, but that is not the main thing. I can stay at home quietly, and besides, I have an academy where I can work. As long as I can help him, I will be by his side. Sometimes I myself think that Andrey needs to find another person, but the main thing is that everything is working correctly. Once I told him, 'If you need to pay Ivan Lendl, Murray, or Moyà, pay, don't let it be a waste of time.' Europeans and Russians have different brains. After all, I know Andrey very well, I know Khachanov well, I know Medvedev well. You are different, unique. Russians are very sincere and natural people, they don't pretend. It is very easy for me to work with Russians. The only thing I don't like and I talk to Marat about is that sometimes, Russians are too unhappy."

Season assessment

"We started well, we had a good preseason. Andrey won in Hong Kong, then in Australia, he was close to elimination in the first round but managed to reach the quarterfinals, where he lost the battle against Sinner. He played better than last year. After Australia, I was sure we would have a great year. However, there was the incident in Dubai, something that had never happened to him before. After that, Rublev completely lost concentration, resulting in a complete disaster at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. One situation ruined the season, so we decided to skip the Olympics. Although he managed to win in Madrid."

There are people who say that Rublev will never win a Grand Slam

"I disagree. Andrey is one of the best players on the current circuit. We'll see what happens when he gets past the quarterfinals. Of course, he is always one of the favorites. I am absolutely sure that he is capable of winning a major. It is difficult to win an ATP 250 tournament, let alone a Slam. You have to be well prepared for long matches. At this moment, Andrey's body is ready to win a major. Now he no longer suffers cramps and is prepared to play matches for five hours. Only improvement in the game and the mental component remains. You have to be prepared to seize the opportunity to win a Slam when it arises.

Andrey had already defeated Sinner, beat Djokovic, and was stronger than Medvedev and Zverev. But all these guys are much more stable, better players at this moment. However, that doesn't mean Andrey can't improve. Yes, the gap between Andrey, Carlos, and Jannik is very large now, I won't lie, I'm not stupid. The body Alcaraz has allows him to fly around the court and defend like crazy. Both serve wonderfully. Many used to criticize Carlos' serve, but now he hits almost always at 220 km/h. Both cut perfectly and choose their position perfectly. The gap is huge, but that is what we have to change."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fernando Vicente, entrenador de Rublev: "Los jugadores rusos a veces son demasiado infelices"