Safin Warns Rublev: "You Have to Chart Your Own Path, and Everything Depends on Him"
In recent days, Andrey Rublev has decided to hire former world No. 1 Marat Safin as his coach, at least for the clay-court season. The two are already working together during the UTS Nîmes event taking place this weekend. In his quarterfinal match, the Russian defeated Ben Shelton in four quarters.
Safin will try to restore Rublev's confidence. While the Russian won the Doha tournament, he has also faced disappointments in other events, including a first-round exit at the Australian Open against 18-year-old João Fonseca in straight sets.
However, the 2000 US Open and 2005 Australian Open champion is well aware that Rublev must also put in the effort to turn things around.
"Everything depends on him. I can show him the way, but he’ll have to walk it himself because it won’t happen magically. You have to chart your own path, and everything will depend on him.
We’ll see how things develop in the coming weeks, but I believe he has the will to do well. For how long? I don’t know—you’ll have to ask him," Safin said during a changeover while sitting in Rublev’s chair during his match against Shelton.
Currently ranked No. 9 in the world, Rublev has a lot at stake leading up to Roland Garros, especially after winning the Madrid Masters last year. Since his title in Qatar, he has lost all three of his ATP Tour matches (against Halys in Dubai, Arnaldi in Indian Wells, and Bergs in Miami).
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