Andrey Rublev has followed Novak Djokovic’s lead by hiring a former world No. 1 to join his coaching team. Marat Safin, the two-time Grand Slam winner who previously spent nine weeks as the top-ranked player in the men’s game, will link up with the other members of Rublev’s technical staff. The pair have maintained a close relationship during difficult moments in his career and the Russian has sought to bring up his compatriot on board to provide support to head coach Fernando Vicente. The Spaniard has been in Rublev’s box since 2016 and will continue in the role, but it may be Rublev’s view that having a proven winner in Safin on board can help him move closer to the top of his game.
The 27-year-old has made it to the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam on 10 occasions, but he is yet to advance further – highlighting something of a mental block for the current world No. 9. Safin’s winner mentality, having clinched the US Open in 2000 and Australian Open title in 2005, could help him improve his game. The pair will start working together as he begins preparing for the clay court season, starting with the Monte Carlo Masters – the ATP 1000 event held in Monaco – next month. The Moscow star won the title there in 2023 and will be eager to make a splash in the Principality, having crashed out of the Miami Open in straight sets to Zizou Bergs last week.
Safin’s reputation as a party ‘animal’ has led some to question his involvement in tennis, although he has previously dismissed the accuracy of that label. The coach, 45, was once accused of being drunk during his playing career before his Australian Open final against Thomas Johanssen in 2002.
According to former fellow pro Daniel Koellerer, Safin ‘partied like he was already champion’ the night before the showdown on Sunday in Melbourne.
“I saw Safin drinking before the AO final. I thought that if I can’t move from 150th place sober, and he plays the finals drunk, then alcohol isn’t so bad,” Koellerer said. “Safin was so drunk the night before, as if he was celebrating his birthday. Or as if he had already celebrated winning the Australian Open.”
Safin also brought along three Russian women to sit in his box during the match, which is normally reserved for partners, family and coaches. Initially, it seemed to give him the edge as he won the first set, but he struggled to maintain that level and succumbed to a 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-7 (4) defeat to the Swede.
Referencing the glamorous trio who had been watching along from the stands, Safin said in his on-court interview: “I have to say thank you to all my family sitting over there.”
He admitted to having an “unbelievable night” when he went out drinking with Lenny Kravitz in the aftermath of his US Open success in 2005. And few would begrudge him a couple of shots of vodka if he can end Rublev’s long wait for a Major.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk