Rublev: "I would change five Grand Slam quarterfinals to reach the semifinals once"

Russian Andrey Rublev once again shared one of the most genuine and personal reflections on the ATP circuit after defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. Having triumphed in very challenging conditions due to the wind, the Muscovite spoke about his tennis, mental growth, documentary, and current self-relationship.

Rublev, who is still pursuing Grand Slam semifinals that have eluded him despite numerous quarterfinal appearances, offered deep insights on pressure, expectations, and his approach to the circuit. He also downplayed the significance of potential statistical milestones, acknowledging that he now feels "much better" emotionally compared to a year ago.

Always bringing the chaotic energy 😂⚡️

Andrey Rublev joins us at the desk after his third round win. ⤵️#IBI26 pic.twitter.com/FyT8nbHMkh

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 11, 2026

A Victory Influenced by the Wind

"Overall, I'm happy with the match today because the conditions were impossible to play in. The wind was completely crazy. It was especially challenging for both me and Alejandro, as we both like to hit hard, play fast, and control points. In such conditions, that style of tennis disappears because you can't even control the ball's direction."

"Today, I hit some winners just by aiming down the middle, and due to the ball moving in the wind, they turned into incredible cross-court or parallel shots. I thought, 'I better not aim anywhere specific, play in the center, and let the wind do the rest.'"

"Under these conditions, it's not about the level of tennis. I think it's more about who can handle the situation, stay focused, and make the right decisions. It's not about the tennis as much; it's about feelings, patience, and self-trust. Today, I managed to use the wind very effectively in key moments."

The Eternal Question of His Best Surface

"I won't get any closer to deciding my best surface. When I won tournaments on clay, I thought, 'Now, this is my surface, and I'll achieve even better results.' But then I didn't win anything. I always hated playing at altitude, like in Madrid, and in the end, I ended up winning there. So, now I know nothing. It doesn't matter where a Grand Slam semifinal could be achieved. I'd sign up for any surface. It doesn't matter."

His Ten Grand Slam Quarterfinals

"I've reached ten quarterfinals. Each one is significant. I don't know which is harder: making ten quarters or reaching one or two semifinals. There are players who made a semi and then didn't achieve much more. Maybe we could swap five quarters for one semi, depending on the market and how calculations are made."

His Documentary and the Mental Shift He Has Undergone

"I didn't create the documentary for others to see or for public opinion. I did it for myself. That's why it doesn't matter to me, in a good sense, whether someone thinks it's right or wrong. When offered the opportunity, I thought, 'Why not?' I wanted to do it for myself and see how it would make me feel. Even if it had received a ton of criticism, it would have been fine because it was something personal."

"Now, I'm much better. Much, much better. I engage in many off-court activities, and I have people around me sharing their experiences to help. They explain to me how they handle things, and I can relate. The main difference is that now I'm not against what's happening. I don't fight it."

Not Fixating on Records in Rome

"Of course, I'd like to keep progressing and reach the later rounds here, facing top players in big stadiums. But I can't control that. If you gave me a guarantee that I'd advance two more rounds, I'd sign up immediately. But since that's not an option, it doesn't make sense to dwell on it too much."

Andrey Rublev continues his journey at the ATP Masters 1000 in 2026 Rome feeling a newfound emotional stability on and off the court. While he chases Grand Slam success, he maintains a level of consistency that few achieve and grows a more mature philosophy to handle ATP circuit pressure.