"We went to the psychologist 3 times a week" - Andrey Rublev's coach reveals Russian's battle with depression
Andrey Rublev's coach Fernando Vicente has opened up about the Russian's battle with depression and mental health issues, revealing that they took him to a psychologist several times a week so he could recover. However, Vicente believes this is common for most tennis players, and that Rublev can get better soon.
Rublev had a topsy-turvy 2024 season, finishing as the World No. 8 with two titles to his name. Despite good results occasionally, the Russian's year was marked by controversy, as he was disqualified from the Dubai Tennis Championships after yelling at a chair umpire.
Throughout the year, anger issues continued for Rublev, as he was seen several times indulging in self-harming behavior, from smashing his own knees with the racket to injuring his hands in frustration.
Speaking in a recent interview with Championat, Vicente addressed those issues, admitting that he and his team have been doing everything possible to make sure Andrey Rublev gets help for his mental struggles.
"We tried to be close to him, to support him, we went to the psychologist three times a week, where the conversation revolved around Rublev remembering where he was when it all started and what heights he managed to reach. This is a normal situation. As a coach, I also face many problems throughout the year," he said.
Vicente, who has been coaching Rublev since 2017, also spoke about the physical issues that plagued the Russian this year, with him undergoing emergency surgery post-US Open and almost risking the loss of one testicle.
"It's been a crazy season. Before the Chinese series, he had a problem with a testicle. The doctor begged him not to go, but Andrey wanted to. Then he had a problem in the abdominal area and could hardly serve. Andrey is crazy, in the good sense of the word. He always wants to train: Monday, Saturday, Sunday, it doesn't matter. I have to kick him off the court. I'm glad to train a player like that," he said.
Andrey Rublev's coach rates his on-court behavior a poor 4/10 for the year
Then touching on Andrey Rublev's on-court behavior in 2024 during the interview, Fernando Vicente declared that he would give his protege only a 4/10, implying that there is a lot he could improve next year.
"Rublev suffered a lot mentally and experienced behavioural problems. I would give his behaviour on the court this year a four out of ten. We remember what happened at the Dubai tournament when he was disqualified. Rublev could not cope with the consequences of this," he said.
Rublev's two titles this season came at the Hong Kong Open and the Madrid Open. He reached one more final at the Masters 1000 Canadian Open but lost to Alexei Popyring unexpectedly. He participated at the year-end ATP Finals, but could not reach the semifinals.