After a frustrating stretch of early losses in Australia, Dubai, California, and Miami, Andrey Rublev was clearly in search of a spark. His solution? A compelling one rooted in childhood admiration. Just days before the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, Rublev spoke of Marat Safin, stating, “Marat is someone that was inspiring me since I was a kid… He was just an amazing person and then he’s been through many tough things.” This personal connection has now translated into a professional partnership. The initial signs are promising, with Rublev cruising past Gael Monfils in his opening match on the Monte-Carlo red clay. However, it was Rublev’s post-match comments – highlighting a “significant energy and positive effect” – that truly piqued interest.

During a lighthearted courtside interview with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, Andrey Rublev couldn’t contain his laughter when asked about working with the new coach Marat Safin. At just the mention of Safin’s name, the 27-year-old Russian burst into giggles, repeatedly apologizing as he tried, and hilariously failed, to compose himself.

When Amritraj asked if he was enjoying the experience so far, Rublev could only manage a “Yeah, yeah. I don’t know,” before cracking up again. The scene continued with both laughing and just as Rublev tried to answer seriously, he interrupted himself again, saying, “No, obviously, sorry to interrupt you. I have to say something. Obviously… I forgot what I was going to say,” and dissolved into laughter once more.

However, he finally composed himself to explain: “Marat is helping me a lot. He has already helped me with a few things. So yeah, I don’t know. For sure, the energy is in the right direction. I think there are things I’m doing better. I’m on a better path, so let’s see. It’s only week one, and it’s our first official match together, so let’s see how it goes in two or three months”

Marat Safin’s entry into Rublev’s coaching corner comes at a pivotal time in the Russian’s 2025 season. Once ranked 2nd seed and celebrated for his Grand Slam triumphs at the US Open (2000) and Australian Open (2005), Safin brings not only a wealth of experience but also a fiery edge, traits that could breathe new life into Rublev’s game. Teaming up alongside Fernando Vicente, Rublev’s trusted coach since 2017, Safin’s presence seems to be already making waves. But for how long?

“I hope for really long, but then it depends if he will enjoy to work with me or he will suffer. Because I think if he would feel that I am not doing the things or I am not listening, I don’t think he will waste his time. For the moment, I’m just trying to listen and to try new things. We’ll see how it will work, or what it will bring, or what’s going to happen,” Rublev expressed two days ahead of Monte Carlo.

Before Rublev’s match against Gael Monfils, Safin had delivered a short, impactful pep talk, straight to the point, yet powerful enough to shift Rublev’s mindset. 

Andrey Rublev reveals what Marat Safin told him before the Monfils match

In a thrilling showdown on the red clay of Monte Carlo, Andrey Rublev found himself locked in a fierce battle against the ever-entertaining Frenchman Gaël Monfils. The veteran, fresh off a confident comeback win over Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan, brought his signature flair and athleticism to the court.

Despite an early struggle, Monfils broke Rublev’s serve to lead 5-4 in the 2nd set and earned four set points. But just when it seemed like the match would head into a decider, Rublev flipped the script. Clawing his way back with grit and precision, Rublev denied Monfils those chances and surged through the tie-break to seal a 6-4, 7-6(2) victory. Rublev’s inspiration was rooted in Safin!

Speaking at the post-match, Rublev added, “He (Marat Safin) told me a few things before the match. He told me basically it would become a mental match. If I will be able to handle the patience.. because Gael will start to play amazing and enjoy the atmosphere. The crowd will support him. He likes it. He said the most important thing will be to have patience in those moments and wait for your moment. That’s it. During the match, I guess his confidence was giving me calmness.”

Rublev is set to take on another French challenger, 12th seed Arthur Fils, on Court des Princes today. With a world-class mentor like Safin in his corner, can the Russian handle the home crowd pressure and secure his spot in the last 8?