In the captivating realm of tennis, where artistry and athleticism converge, Marat Safin remains an enigma. Ascending to World No. 1 in 2000 and seizing two Grand Slam crowns, the charismatic Russian amassed 15 titles, his journey marked by both brilliance and turbulence. Now, in 2025, a twist of fate sees him join Andrey Rublev‘s coaching ranks—a beacon of support credited with guiding the younger player through mental storms. This unexpected return has ignited a nostalgic spark, Safin’s signature cool—loose hair, shades, effortless style—sending ripples of admiration through the ranks of former American pros.

In an episode of the ‘Nothing Major’ Podcast, John Isner gushed about Marat Safin, saying, “He’s got the little glasses. Like, he’s wearing these baggy clothes because he doesn’t give a c*** what he looks like. His aura is off the charts. So smooth. Like the little goatee thing going on—it’s hands down the smoothest coach in the world right now, right? Like there’s not a close second.”

Jack Sock, who hasn’t seen the pictures yet, shared a visual of Safin from a practice session with Rublev, prompting others to chime in. Noting how much more “relaxed Rublev” looked alongside Safin. But Isner was “bullish on the partnership,” solely because of his unbothered appearance. Sock added, “He does look like Johnny Depp or something like that,” creating a comparison to the actor who is known for his ruggedly handsome looks.

Sam Querrey joked, “If you were a director, would you just hire him right now to play any part in your movie?” Isner agreed wholeheartedly, suggesting Safin would make “a great Bond villain.” While the discussion went on, their acknowledgment of Safin’s impact on Rublev’s team was undeniable.

He has been a beacon of hope for Andrey Rublev, especially during tough times. The No. 9 player has often spoken about how Safin helped him regain his footing after setbacks, like his early exit at Wimbledon last year. It was a heart-to-heart with Safin that gave Rublev the boost he needed to bounce back, especially given the tough time he was facing with his mental health.

The Russian pro has been open about his struggles with depression, revealing that he was on antidepressants for months before deciding to stop due to a lack of positive effects. That’s when he turned to Safin for guidance. Rublev credits Safin with helping him understand himself better, marking a turning point in his life. He said, “Marat made me understand myself, that was a bit of a restart from the bottom. From there, little by little, I started to move in a better direction.”

Now, as the two continue their collaboration, there’s a sense of optimism about its potential longevity. However, the former World No.1 is also quite a strict coach despite his unbothered appearance.

Marat Safin gets real about his coaching role with Andrey Rublev

Aside from winning the Qatar Open, Rublev hasn’t had the best 2025 season so far. After early exits in the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Dubai, and Miami, he is looking to turn things around. However, bringing Marat on his team might just prove to be a good decision. But it comes with a harsh reality check.

Speaking to Tennis Channel ahead of the tournament, Safin laid out his strategy for helping Rublev. “Well, it depends on him. I can show him the road, but he needs to walk the road. Because it’s not going to happen magically to work your way, and I think it’s up to him. So, let’s see how it goes for the next couple of weeks, but I think he’s willing to do it,” he said. This no-nonsense approach sets the stage for a potentially game-changing partnership.

On one hand, Rublev is eager for a long-term collaboration, but it all depends on whether Safin enjoys the ride, as he noted, “I hope for a prolonged partnership, but that ultimately depends on whether he enjoys working with me or finds it a struggle. If he senses I’m not attentive, I doubt he would want to invest his time.” With Safin’s guidance, Rublev is already showing signs of improvement.

His win over Gael Monfils in Monte Carlo on Wednesday is a promising start. This could be just what Rublev needs to overcome his Grand Slam quarter-final hurdle with the French Open coming up. The excitement is palpable—will they make it a lasting success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!