“He made me realize many things, and then I started to work with a psychologist.” Andrey Rublev credited Marat Safin back in January, who helped him overcome a stressful phase. The 27-year-old who’s going through a rough patch since May 2024 seems has found a ray of hope in his new trainer. The latter appears to have played a key role in toning down Rublev’s on-court outbursts. While his involvement with Rublev has become big news, there’s another reason why Safin’s making heads turn. So much so, that several former American pros believe he’s no less than Johnny Depp! But what made them say that?
Late last month, it was reported that Safin was the new addition to Rublev’s staff. He will be there for the rest of the 2025 season. Also, his arrival won’t hamper Rublev’s partnership with his current Spanish trainer Fernando Vicente. The latter will stay as the primary coach. The reason Safin has been added is to give an extra insight. And a new voice to improve Rublev’s performance even further.
On Sunday, the two had their first practice session together. Safin was seen observing his shot-making skills while giving key tips. Seems like his on-court appearance has caught the attention of many on social media. Especially the way he seems to carry himself. A causal look wearing goggles, with styled hair to complement an easy-going attire. Some former pros can’t get enough of him. The American stars John Isner, Jack Sock, and Sam Querrey, to name a few.
In an episode of the Nothing Major podcast, dated April 8, Isner couldn’t help but praise Safin’s attractive looks. Especially being a coach! “I have seen these videos on X, like how smooth is Marat Safin?” he said.
Andrey Rublev x Marat Safin
Aura is absolutely off the charts.
@uts_tour_ pic.twitter.com/Vf26dexqmN
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) April 3, 2025
Continuing further, he added, “He’s got those little glasses. He’s wearing his baggy clothes coz he doesn’t give a crap what he looks like. I mean he looks like…his aura is off the charts. So smooth. Hands down the smoothest coach in the world right now, right? Like, there’s not a close second.” Immediately, his co-host Sock showed up a picture of Safin’s new look from his practice session with Rublev. Seeing that, Isner exclaimed, “Yes! Look at that.”
Further, Querrey also chimed in saying, “He’s gotta be like, relaxed Rublev. Rublev is like so high strong. I feel like his practices will be fun now.” He continued, “Rublev will be like laughing a little bit more. I think it’s going to be good.”
Isner couldn’t stop himself from admiring Safin’s “aura” either. Agreeing with Querrey, he said, “I’m bullish on it. I’m bullish on the partnership just because of how smooth that guy is.” Sock made an interesting comment after that, saying Safin’s “giving like Johnny Depp vibes.” Well, Isner couldn’t agree more. “He does look like Johnny Depp.”
Querrey then asked Isner, “If you were a director, would you just hire him right now to play any part in your movie?” To this, the ex-American pro answered, “Wouldn’t he? Like a good Bond villain.”
Well, we don’t know if he fits the bill of an actor, but Rublev thinks Safin’s perfect for him as a coach. In fact, the 2025 Qatar Open winner always wanted to work with his compatriot! And finally, they are a team now.
Andrey Rublev “always wanted to work” with Marat Safin
Back in July 2024, after losing the first round to a lower-ranked Francisco Comesana at Wimbledon, Andrey Rublev became extremely frustrated. That time, he was a top 10 player, so it was obvious he was annoyed losing in the first round. But he kept showing his disappointment on the court. And quite frequently, to say the least. Per him, “That was the worst moment that I faced about myself.”
Later in the Paris Masters in October, he hurt himself again. Playing against Francisco Cerundolo, in the first round, Rublev smashed his own racket on his knee, resulting in bleeding.
Rublev turned to Safin for advice about how to control anger. Interestingly, Safin was himself known for his short-tempered personality back in the day. In fact, he broke 1,055 rackets in his career, according to ATP’s website in 2020. But eventually he managed to cool down. Perhaps that’s the reason Rublev thought it was best to team up with him to learn how to steady himself.
Back in January, during an interview with The Guardian, the Russian ATP pro threw light on Safin’s positive impact. “I learn a lot about myself and while I don’t feel in a happy mood or the happy place I would like to be I don’t feel any more crazy anxiety and stress of not understanding what to do with my life,” he said.
In a recent interaction with Tennis Channel, dated April 7, Rublev revealed he wanted to bring Safin for a long time. So what stopped him before? “Deep inside, I always wanted to work together, but I knew that he was not interested. And I never wanted to put any pressure because I really care about Marat,” he said.
Continuing further, he added, “Later on, I found out that he’s kind of ready to work in tennis or something like that, that he don’t mind. And then I say, ‘OK, even if it’s not gonna be me, at least I can ask.’ I have nothing to lose if I ask. Then my agent ask, they talk and little by little we work for a couple of days together.”
Safin’s arrival has come at a perfect time for Rublev. Clay season is up ahead and Rublev’s known for his great performances on the surface. Two years ago, he shone on clay across the Monte Carlo Masters (that he won) alongside the SRPSKA Open (runner-up). Then in July, he won the Swedish Open as well on clay. And as we know, last season he won the Madrid Open.
With his next event being the Monte Carlo Masters this week, Andrey Rublev will look to impress with Safin by his side. He will begin his campaign against Gael Monfils on Wednesday. Do you think he can make a deep run? Let us know in the comments below.
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