Rublev: "The transition in my game is starting to work"

Pedro de Pablos | 23 Feb 2026 | 18.42

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Andrey Rublev is rediscovering his best version in the beginning of 2026, where he is finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel after a 2025 full of ups and downs. Last week, the Russian tennis player displayed a great level of tennis at ATP Doha 2026, losing in the semifinals against Carlos Alcaraz. Afterwards, he analyzed the changes he has implemented in his game and how they are finally paying off.

In an interview for Tennis TV, Andrey Rublev analyzed the entire process he has undertaken to improve as a player, and how it has led him to experience a long period of doubts typical of such a strong transition. The arrival of Marat Safin to his coaching team has provided him with a new focus in his style, and several months later, he feels confident to make the necessary leap towards returning to the top 10 and winning major tournaments, something normal for a player with his talent and characteristics.

"I think I played good tennis in Doha in all matches. I believe the transition in my game is starting to work gradually, and I am gaining more and more confidence in it. Now I am more aggressive with my backhand, more willing to come to the net, have more trust in my second serve, can change directions better... I am adding more things little by little and it is starting to go well. I am on the right path, I have to keep working on it to complete the transition," he acknowledged.

Andrey Rublev analyzes his match in Doha against Alcaraz

During his match in Doha against Carlos Alcaraz, Rublev had moments where he had the world number one on the ropes, and even approached the net more than him, something unusual for the Russian. "Many players need to make those changes, but when you are in a match at the highest point, you will use the weapons you have always used and know that work. The key is to try to use those new weapons that will not work at the beginning, and that will make you sacrifice matches, weeks, and months with bad results and rankings positions, in order to be able to make that change in the long term," he revealed.

Some time ago, Rublev admitted to going through a mentally challenging process, where he even lost his enthusiasm for tennis. However, he is now more confident than ever in regaining his best form. "Gradually, I am making those things work and gaining confidence. Perhaps in the next match, I will do it more frequently and start trusting more in this new style, comparing it to how I played before. At this level, you need to know how to do everything."

Marat Safin, key in Andrey Rublev's change

Ultimately, the mastermind behind this plan is a legend of the stature of Marat Safin, someone in whom Rublev has blind faith since he joined the team. "We don't talk much about this, but obviously Marat is the one who believes in it. He is the one who says 'let's do this and you will see how well it goes'. Automatically, you trust. He is always right," he revealed amid laughter.

Furthermore, it was around these dates in 2022 when Rublev consecutively won the title in Marseille -also in doubles- and in Dubai, so he is eager to do things right. "When I won in Marseille and then in Doha, it was an incredible moment because I hadn't started the year well. Somehow, I was able to win a European indoor tournament on a Sunday, arriving in Doha on Monday night and playing on Tuesday without preparation. It was a proud moment."

Today, Rublev is a completely different player, holding the 18th position in the ATP ranking and aiming to be a regular in the final rounds of major tournaments again. To achieve this, he is incorporating all possible changes to his game, something he will continue working on in the Dubai ATP 500, where he will debut this Tuesday against Valentin Royer, who had not secured any victories in 2026 until the last ATP Doha.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rublev: "La transición en mi juego está empezando a funcionar"

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