“I started to feel a bit bipolar": Andrey Rublev discusses journey to mental balance

World No. 9 Andrey Rublev spoke candidly about his mental health struggles following a series of on-court outbursts over recent seasons. The Russian faces a tough opening match at the Australian Open against rising star Joao Fonseca.

Rublev endured difficult moments on court, including a first-round exit at Wimbledon last year against Francisco Comesaña, where he smashed his racquet against his knee, causing an injury that required treatment during the match.

Rublev reveals Wimbledon breakdown

The Russian admitted upon arriving in Melbourne that his Wimbledon meltdown marked his lowest point, especially off the court. “That was the worst moment that I faced about myself. It was not about tennis,” he said. “It was to do with myself, like after that moment I didn’t see the reason for living life. Like, what for? This sounds a bit too dramatic, but the thoughts inside my head were just killing me, creating a lot of anxiety, and I couldn’t handle it anymore.”

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“I started to feel a bit bipolar. I don’t know if you can say it like that. But I triggered it myself. Now I feel better. I can see what was happening,” he added.

“Since Wimbledon, some things have changed,” said the former World No. 5. “I was taking antidepressant tablets, but they weren’t helping at all. In the end, I said, ‘I don’t want to take anything anymore.’ I stopped all the tablets, and Marat Safin helped me a lot through conversations.”

“He made me realise many things, and then I started working with a psychologist. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and while I’m not in a happy mood or the place I’d like to be, I no longer feel that crazy anxiety and stress of not knowing what to do with my life," the 26-year-old player added.

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“I’ve become more balanced because I’m honest with myself. I see my situation more realistically. It’s less dramatic than before, so I have a healthier relationship with myself. Maybe I’m kinder because I’m healthier,” he added.

Rublev faces a tough opening round against 18-year-old Fonseca, who comes into the tournament brimming with confidence after winning 13 consecutive matches: five at the Next Gen ATP Finals, five at the Canberra Challenger last week, and three during Melbourne qualifying. Fonseca has yet to drop a set in his eight matches this season and is emerging as a dark horse in the main draw.

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