Andrey Rublev, the world’s sixth-ranked tennis player, has regained his consistent form at the Cincinnati Open, reaching the quarterfinals with two impressive straight-sets victories. After a disappointing loss in the Montreal final, Rublev has bounced back with confidence-boosting wins over Zhang Zhizhen and Brandon Nakashima.
Rublev’s resurgence comes after a challenging period marked by depression and burnout. However, a “long conversation” with compatriot Marat Safin has helped him turn his mental state around. Rublev credits Safin with providing him with the tools to stay calm in crucial moments and trust his abilities.
The Russian’s success in Montreal and Cincinnati is a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite his dislike for the fast hard-court conditions, Rublev has used his powerful serve and forehand to dominate his opponents. He has not dropped a set in his two matches so far.
Rublev’s next challenge will be a rematch against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Cincinnati quarterfinals. Sinner holds a 5-3 advantage over Rublev in their head-to-head record, but Rublev will be confident after defeating the Italian in the Montreal quarterfinals.
If Rublev can overcome Sinner, he will have a chance to reach his second ATP Masters 1000 final of the year. His victory in Madrid earlier this season proved that he is capable of producing his best tennis on the big stage.
Rublev’s resurgence is a welcome sight for tennis fans. The Russian is one of the most exciting players to watch on tour, and his return to form adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming US Open.
