Connors comments on Rublev's choice: "Safin can understand what he's going through"
After three consecutive first-round losses in Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami, Rublev made the decision to hire Safin as his coach for the clay-court season. The former world No. 1 will begin his duties after the Monte-Carlo Masters.
A decision that surprised many observers, given how closely the two men's personalities seem to align. For Jimmy Connors, however, Safin's temperament presents a major advantage for the 27-year-old player:
"I think this is an opportunity for both of them. Rublev probably needs someone like him, who has the same attitude and personality. The same kind of character who can understand what he's going through when he's on top but also when he's down.
Someone who has already been through a lot of ups and downs and knows how you feel when you're playing a match," he told *The Tennis Gazette*.
In 2024, Rublev lost in the first round of Monte-Carlo to Popyrin (6-4, 6-4).
