As for what ultimately drove Rublev to make this decision going into the European clay-court season? It came straight from the heart.
“It was my feelings. There was no logic, no explanation,” he said.
“I know him since I was a kid, and he was my inspiration. Then, he knows me for many years as well. When I start to play better tennis, we start to get to know each other more. I find out that he’s a really nice guy and then later on, during I guess his life, he was struggling with his own struggles and he was able to (come) through. And that’s it.”
Rublev, who lifted the Monte Carlo crown two years ago for his maiden Masters 1000 title, is seeded seventh. Looking to snap a three-match losing streak that followed a triumph in Dubai, Rublev will have to get past Gael Monfils. On Monday, the 38-year-old Frenchman stormed back to beat Fabian Marozsan, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.
