Despite the glamour and glory that often accompany the world of professional tennis, the reality behind the scenes can be a grueling test of endurance, both physically and mentally. Andrey Rublev, the Russian tennis sensation currently ranked ninth in the ATP rankings, has been candid about his own personal struggles, shedding light on the often-ignored aspect of mental health in the sport.
Rublev has garnered 17 titles over his decade-long career, recently celebrating a victory at the Qatar Open—the first title of the 2025 season. This win comes as a significant milestone nearly a year after his last title at the 2024 Madrid Open, marking a renewed sense of hope and direction for the Russian star.
However, the path to victory hasn’t been without its share of debilitating challenges. Speaking ahead of his match at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, Rublev unveiled the mental health struggles he battled in private. He confessed to feeling trapped in a loop of despair, lost within himself, struggling to find a reason or purpose to continue.
The tennis star acknowledged that initially, his mental turmoil may have seemed manageable—a temporary phase that could be endured. But as the months turned into years, the relentless mental torment became unbearable. Rublev even admitted to using antidepressants for a year, which provided temporary relief but fell short of a lasting solution.
His on-court demeanor during this period reflected his inner turmoil. Incidents of Rublev losing his temper, like hitting his racket over his knee or shouting at the crowd or line judges during the French Open and Paris Masters, were shocking displays of his emotional struggle. Despite these troubling signs, Rublev recognized the need to address his issues and sought ways to control his outbursts.
A pivotal point in Rublev’s journey towards mental well-being was a conversation with former world No. 1 Marat Safin. Their discussion helped Rublev adopt a less negative mindset, guiding him towards a better direction. Having maintained his spot in the top 10 since October 2020, Rublev seems poised to keep climbing the ranks with this newfound mental fortitude.
This candid revelation of his mental health issues is not Rublev’s first. During the 2024 Canadian Open, he discussed his ongoing battle with depression after a convincing victory against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi. Rublev’s openness about his struggles, coupled with his advice on self-awareness and the importance of making independent life decisions, has offered hope and guidance to many young athletes grappling with similar issues.
In his pursuit of mental wellness, Rublev has tried various strategies, from working with different psychologists to undertaking various courses. However, he attributes a significant part of his progress to Safin’s guidance. Rublev’s journey, laced with humility and a profound sense of self-awareness, serves as a beacon of hope for many.
In conclusion, Andrey Rublev’s career is a testament to the importance of addressing mental health issues. His transparency about his struggles and his pursuit of self-awareness are invaluable lessons for athletes across the world. As he continues his journey, both on and off the court, Rublev’s story serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars in the sporting world are not immune to the often-hidden challenges of mental health.