By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Moday, April 17, 2023
A good coach is like a good relationship, says Andrey Rublev, when you find one that works you remain devoted.
Rublev rallied from 1-4 down in the final set to hold off Holger Rune 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 and capture his maiden Masters 1000 championship in Monte-Carlo.
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Afterward, Rublev credited his long-time coach, Fernando Vicente, and former world No. 34 Alberto Martin, who joined his coaching team, with helping shape his success.
The core connection with his coaches is key to his playing progress, said Rublev, who kept calm during the stress of the Monte-Carlo final.
"For me is important to have connection outside the tennis, to be able to work, because it doesn't matter how good is the coach, but outside the court we have no connection, I'm not this kind of person who will keep still working," Rublev said. "Because it's like, in the end, like a girlfriend.
"You don't find often this connection, you know. It happens once in a while."
The Spanish coaches have also preached patience, positivity and variety to Rublev, who is making greater use of the drop shot and hit a couple of key topspin lob winners in his comeback.
"Here is the same, and I have this connection. I'm really grateful for it, and they see the things similar," Rublev said. "That's also really good. Yeah, because Berto [Martin], he had diploma, sports psychologist, so he can explain some things in the more easier way in some stress moments, and it's helping also a lot.
"Then I have a new fitness coach, new physio, new agent. So completely upgrade. Only Fernando is still the main one who was since the beginning."
Photo credit: Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Facebook