Rublev: "I am improving the management of my emotions"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 19 Apr 2026 | 07.42

Andrey Rublev speaks in Barcelona as a finalist. Photo: gettyimages

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Andrey Rublev has been through very tough times in recent years, but he seems to be rediscovering his best tennis version thanks to his work on the mental aspect. This is what the Russian expressed in the press conference of the ATP 500 Barcelona Open 2026 after reaching the final of the Catalan event.

Andrey Rublev's journey to the final of the ATP 500 Barcelona Open 2026 confirms an evolution that goes beyond the result. The Russian has built his week from discomfort, facing opponents without rhythm and critical situations where he historically used to lose control. This time, however, he found answers through patience and emotional management, two aspects that have defined his path to the title match.

An Uphill Start and a Key Mental Shift

The match began with doubts and missed opportunities that affected his confidence. "I had four break points with second serves, and I didn't return any," he admitted, pointing out the initial turning point. That moment immediately impacted him: "That game mentally brought me down, and I lost my serve right after." However, his reaction was different from the usual. "After the set, I thought, 'okay, keep fighting, try to raise the level,'" he explained, showing a capacity for recovery that has been crucial throughout the week.

Growing from Small Details

Instead of seeking quick fixes, Rublev opted for constant progression. "If I had opportunities in the first set, I knew I would have more in the second," he commented. This interpretation allowed him to stay in the match until he found his moment: "I had a chance at the beginning of the second set, and I took it, which gave me confidence." From there, the match balanced in his favor: "I gradually managed to win the second set and then the third," a construction based more on persistence than brilliance.

The Battle of the Third Set

The outcome came in a phase of maximum tension where each point carried specific weight. "The key moments were the first four games of the third set," he explained. In that constant exchange, the difference lay in resilience: "I was just trying to fight for every ball." That mindset allowed him to hold steady in critical moments: "I saved break points, won important rallies, and broke at 3-2." That blow was decisive: "After that, he mentally dropped, and I gained confidence," summarizing the match's conclusion.