Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev recently talked about feeling like “a kid” and having the mentality of a “junior” player.
Rublev has had a brilliant start to the season. He claimed his 15th tour-level title at the Hong Kong Open and also reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. Continuing his winning streak, the World No. 5 won in the first round of the ongoing ABN AMRO Open.
Rublev defeated Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 22 minutes in the first round in Rotterdam. This win secured his spot in the second round, where he will now face Felix Auger-Aliassime — a player against whom the Russian holds a commanding 3-1 lead in their head-to-head matches.
The 26-year-old has gained notoriety for his actions on the court, becoming easily frustrated, resorting to racket-smashing, and even confronting chair umpires to make his point known. However, amidst this fiery demeanor, he also possesses a contrasting side.
Off the court, Rublev is known for his calm and collected demeanor, always sporting a warm smile, and also for undertaking philanthropic endeavors. Recently, while speaking to Tennis TV, Rublev confessed to still feeling like a carefree teenager, as if he were merely 16 years old on the inside.
“I hope, I would like to, because mentally I feel still 16. So I don’t feel myself. I still feel like, I’m like a kid”. [Interviewer: “So you’ve got the athlete’s body”]… Rublev continues, “and the mentality of junior, yes [laughs]. Yes exactly”.