Rublev: A Case Study in Mastering the Inner Game

Andrey Rublev, a top-10 ATP tennis player, has long been known for his fiery on-court demeanor, often directed inward in bouts of self-flagellation. However, his journey from emotional turmoil to a newfound sense of control in 2024 is a remarkable case study in personal and professional growth.

This post explores:

His struggles with anger management
The setbacks that shaped him
The mindset shift that led to his Qatar Open victory

Whether in tennis or life, mastering our inner game is key to long-term success.

A Year of Emotional Volatility

Rublev’s emotional struggles reached a breaking point in February 2023 at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Frustrated by a controversial call, he lashed out at a line judge, leading to:

Disqualification from the match
Loss of prize money and ranking points
Public scrutiny for his emotional outburst

That was just the start. His 2023 season saw:

A Masters 1000 win in Madrid while battling a throat abscess
A meltdown at the French Open, where he smashed his racket, hit himself, and admitted to “tanking” a set
A shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon, leading to depression and emotional exhaustion

“I could not take it anymore,” Rublev admitted. “And I exploded after Wimbledon completely.”

The Turning Point: A New Perspective

After months of emotional struggles, Rublev finally took steps toward change:

Started working with a psychologist
Came off antidepressants, which he said made a big difference
Sought guidance from Marat Safin, a former world No. 1

Instead of being his own worst critic, Rublev began practicing self-acceptance.

“Before, I wasn’t realizing how it looks from the outside. But now, I understand it’s not that difficult to be less hard on yourself.”

This shift was noticeable in his return to Dubai in 2024, where he showed better emotional control—an evolution that would be tested at the Qatar Open.

Victory in Qatar: A Symbol of Growth

At the Qatar Open, Rublev faced intense pressure, particularly in the quarterfinal against Alex de Minaur, where he:

Missed seven match points before closing the match
Laughed instead of breaking down after nearly blowing a 5-2 lead
Practiced deep breathing during changeovers to stay composed

He eventually defeated Jack Draper in the final. Instead of focusing on frustration, he celebrated his mental resilience:

“I played at a good level. In some moments, I was really good mentally and didn’t let frustration get over me.”

Rublev likened his fresh perspective to the excitement of testing out a new car:

“It’s like, let’s say you’re excited about a new car. It’s like I’m going to test it, see how it’s going to feel. Those are the kind of feelings I’m having now.”

Key Lessons: How Rublev Changed His Mental Game

1. Recognizing Emotional Triggers

He realized that being too hard on himself wasn’t helping his performance—it was actually making it worse.

2. Seeking Professional Support

Working with a psychologist and mentors gave him the tools to shift his mindset.

3. Developing Self-Compassion

Instead of self-punishment, he learned to reset and refocus after mistakes.

4. Using Humor and Breathing Techniques

By laughing at frustrating moments and practicing deep breathing, he avoided emotional spirals.

5. Reframing Setbacks as Growth Opportunities

Instead of blaming bad luck, he analyzed failures to learn from them.

“If you try not to lie to yourself and realize what you can learn from bad moments, then you get the biggest lesson out of it.”

A New Mindset for the Future

Rublev’s Qatar Open victory is more than just another title—it represents his transformation into a mentally stronger competitor.

He no longer defines himself by his mistakes
He understands the power of emotional resilience
He is excited to see how this mindset will shape his future matches

Rublev’s journey reminds us that whether in tennis or life, mastering our inner game is key to long-term success.

Mastering The Inner Game