The new Andrey Rublev

The 2025 season didn't start for Rublev in a fabulous way. At his 1st tournament this season in Hong Kong, Andrey lost to Marozsan in three sets. Probably the worst 1st round opponent at the Australian Open – Joao Fonseca and another loss, this time in straight sets. In a search for better form, Rublev lost in the semifinal in Montpellier to Kovacevic. Signs of improvement were seen in Rotterdam where he lost to Hurkacz in three sets, but with a decent level.

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic would be the answer to the question ?Who will win Doha?“. Novak lost in the 1st round to Berrettini, Carlos lost to Lehecka in the quarterfinals. All of the sudden, everyone was looking for a chance to win 500 points.

As the no.5 seed, Rublev faced Bublik in the 1st round. The Kazakh can't find form in the last couple of months and Andrey won the match in straight sets. In the next round, Rublev defeated Borges in straight sets as well.

In the quarterfinals, Rublev faced de Minaur – no.2 seed who's been playing phenomenal and consistent tennis in the last 12 months. This match was probably a turning point of the tournament for Andrey as he saved a match point, was struggling to finish the match. After converting his 8th match point, Rublev reached the semifinal.

Felix Auger-Aliassime who's slowly but surely coming back to top 20, won two ATP titles this year. A dramatic semifinal match between Felix and Andrey was decided in the final set tie break which Andrey won to find his place in the final.

Draper, who had a couple of great wins en route to the final, was looking to win his 3rd ATP title. The 1st set was decided in the 12th game when Rublev made a break. In the 2nd set, Andrey had a couple of chances, but we saw the scenario from the 1st set, but with opposite roles. Finally, in the deciding set, Draper ran out of gas. Rublev won the set 6-1 for the 17th ATP title.

What has been such a positive sign for Andrey is the way he's trying to deal with frustration. During the changeovers, pretty often he would meditate in order to calm down his mind. There were uncontrolled reactions, but you can see it doesn't affect him the same way it used to. You can't change some things that are part of you for 20+ years overnight, but if you want to change them, you will do it. Time and perseverance are necessary. This is the new Andrey Rublev!?