Andrey Rublev continued his strong start to the 2026 season, reaching the third round of the Australian Open after a four-set victory over Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.
The No. 13 seed credited Faria’s high level of play, noting: “I didn’t know him at all, and to be honest I don’t understand how he’s in qualies. With his level, he should be much better. It was not easy, but I just tried to stay there, fight, and look for my moment.”
Rublev has been drawing on the calm presence of his coach, former world No. 1 Marat Safin, who watched from the sidelines in sunglasses and a Paul McCartney sweatshirt, providing a steadying influence as Rublev navigated a late wobble. Safin joined Rublev’s coaching team officially in April 2025 alongside Fernando Vicente.
“The main thing he brings is calmness,” Rublev said. “He brings everything, but especially a sense of chill and relaxation for the team.”
Rublev has shown marked improvement compared with last season, when he started 0-2 after consecutive opening-round losses. This season he reached the semifinals in his first tournament in Hong Kong before advancing to the third round in Melbourne.
A large part of Rublev’s reset has been a demanding off-season and pre-season focused on fitness and high-intensity baseline training. “It’s crazy because now, with Marat and my team, they are killing me,” Rublev said in December. “Two and a half hours of fitness, then two hours of tennis. No mistakes from the baseline, high intensity until you make it. This push is all for me. It’s always about yourself.”
Rublev has also emphasized keeping a light-hearted atmosphere when appropriate. Safin, who first helped Rublev during a major depressive episode in 2024, has continued to provide both mentorship and camaraderie. “We have fun together. But it depends on the day. When it’s a serious day, we focus, but when it’s time for fun, we have fun as well,” he said.
Rublev now faces Francisco Cerúndolo in the third round. The Argentine leads their head-to-head 3-1, while Rublev has reached the Australian Open quarterfinals three times in his career.
