Andrey Rublev (23 years, 7th) has been planted in the Open Banc Sabadell after eliminating Nadal Monte Carlo and lose the final to Tsitsipas. A letter of introduction that signed yesterday with his victory against Gaio (6-4, 6-3). After her he attended to AS.
How do you feel after your debut? He was annoyed at the start of the game.
I feel good. I had some problems with the rackets, which were late. I heated with one that was not mine. I got a little stressed.
And the next game against a local player, Albert Ramos.
It will be hard. I know him well. I think we have played three times and all of them were difficult games. It will be tough because Albert always fights, with points and long games.
What is your objective for this Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell?
The goal is the same as always. Do your best. Having the feeling that you couldn't have done anything else. Be it in the first round, second, quarters or semis.
Did you have that feeling in Monte Carlo?
Yes. Except for the final. There I could do something different. I did not feel the same as in the previous games. I need to find different ways to compete when I am not that good mentally or physically during a match. And I didn't even try it in Monte Carlo.
But he did beat Nadal.
It seemed unreal to me. If we talk about level, beating him or Federer is an achievement.
Rublev executes a forehand, his best virtue on the court, on the Conde de Godó.
Alex Caparros (Getty Images)
Tsitsipas assured that his goal this year was to finish in the top-3. Is it yours too?
No. My goal is simple, to improve as much as I can. There are many things that I can do better.
Which?
All. I can hit better, volley better, serve better, defend better …. I can improve physically and mentally. I think it is positive that he has a lot to improve.
Is the mental aspect especially important?
If we look at who is in the top-20, what are the differences between them and the top three or four? Everyone is capable of playing great tennis, at a great level, but these four players have a better mentality. They are more stable and thus are able to win more games and do better.
What influence does your coach (the Spaniard Fernando Vicente) have on your style?
I think I have my style but if we talk about land, maybe yes, you have to learn how to move, how to play with more margin compared to the net, to open more angles …
How do you explain the good time of Russian tennis?
It's great news, but I don't have an answer. Medvedev, me, Khachanov or Karatsev do not train together. It's a coincidence.