In a recent interview with Tennis Majors, Fernando Vicente, the Spanish coach of Andrey Rublev, provided a comprehensive insight into the journey he and Rublev have undertaken to ascend to the summit of the tennis world.
Vicente initially crossed paths with Rublev in 2016, when the budding player was in search of a coach. At that time, Rublev had just concluded his participation in Challengers and was in need of guidance for his career. Vicente harbored initial reservations about taking on a Russian player and the prospect of having to traverse distances and converse in English. However, after training with Rublev for a few weeks, Vicente recognized the potential and dedication the young player possessed.
From the outset, Rublev’s diligence and commitment to the sport were palpable, and Vicente was struck by his resolve to elevate his game. Despite grappling with challenges related to mobility, mindset, and certain deficiencies in his game, Rublev’s unwavering determination to succeed and his fervor for the sport served as catalysts for his evolution as a player.
While acknowledging the peaks and valleys of Rublev’s journey, Vicente is of the belief that the young player harbors the potential to attain success at the highest echelons. Nevertheless, he also concedes that there are areas in Rublev’s game, such as mindset and focus, that necessitate further refinement. The coach underscores the significance of adopting a balanced approach and maintaining a positive mindset in confronting challenges on the court.
Vicente also delves into the repercussions of the pandemic on Rublev’s training and development, highlighting the advantages of the prolonged practice time and the strides made in areas such as mobility and fitness.
When addressing Rublev’s mindset and focus, Vicente acknowledges the player’s humility and dedication to tennis, while also stressing the imperative of striking a balance between the demands of the sport and his personal life. He accentuates the need for a mature mindset and an understanding of the psychological and emotional facets of the game.
Vicente professes confidence in Rublev’s capacity to scale the heights of tennis, albeit recognizing that there is further groundwork to be laid in terms of mindset, mobility, and focus to achieve Grand Slam triumph. He posits that with the right approach and sustained dedication, Rublev possesses the potential to ascend to the summit of the sport.