Rublev Focuses on Honesty as He Returns to Dubai Tournament

DUBAI, UAE — Andrey Rublev returned to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Feb. 24, 2025, ready to move beyond his tumultuous past. The world No. 3 was eager to shed the memories of his default during the 2024 semifinals, a situation that resulted in a $36,400 fine.

“It’s all forgotten,” Rublev stated before his first round against Quentin Halys. “I haven’t thought about it until you just asked now.” His previous match against Alexander Bublik saw him disqualified, prompting a lengthy period of introspection.

Rublev, who struggled to regain form for three months following the incident, has since regained his footing, having captured the title at the Mutua Madrid Masters in May. He attributed his revitalized mindset to a significant conversation with former world No. 1 Marat Safin.

“I was kind of in a loop, lost with myself for a couple of years,” Rublev reflected. “When it’s happening for one, two, three, five years, there comes a moment where you cannot take it anymore.” He described those feelings as an unbearable pain that built over time.

Now 27, Rublev credits opening up about his struggles with mental health and the process of embracing honesty about himself as crucial. “The main thing is to be honest with yourself, really, really honest,” he said. “I would think, with myself, I know I’m honest; I have no problem to say if I’m wrong or right.”

His journey toward self-awareness has influenced his on-court strategy as well. Rublev has inscribed the word “Responsibility” on his K-Swiss shoes as a reminder of the need to take accountability for his actions. “You can only take responsibility for yourself,” he explained. “Even if someone did something bad to you, it’s still your fault the situation happened.”

Rublev, currently ranked No. 9, expressed hope that such reminders will help him foster a balanced approach in both his professional and personal life. He reported feeling neutral after experiencing significant highs and lows last year, stating, “I’m not in a good or bad place, but I’m not feeling any more stress, not having depression.”

“It’s all about balance in everything,” he added. “If you don’t have balance with yourself, everything will come apart.” Rublev’s return to Dubai starts with a doubles match alongside childhood friend Karen Khachanov.

Kachanov, a former world No. 8, is also seeking to capitalize on his time playing at the prestigious tournaments in Dubai, where he has been based since 2016. After a strong finish to the 2024 season, he expressed enthusiasm about his performance following a 6-1, 6-3 win over Dan Evans.

“I was really enjoying myself out there, winning matches,” Kachanov said with a laugh. “I didn’t qualify for the Finals, otherwise I think I would be dangerous there,” he remarked, reflecting on missing the Nitto ATP Finals despite a promising run at the end of last year.

Kachanov, ranked No. 15, aims to build on his recent form and find consistent rhythm ahead of upcoming matches, noting the importance of transitioning practice success to competitive victories. “You can be fit, you can be ready… but you then you need to go out there and win.”

With matches against formidable opponents looming, Kachanov maintains a strong belief in his abilities. “I’m always believing in myself,” Kachanov asserted. “I’m always going out there to fight. I’m confident, let’s say.”