Andrey Rublev credits NBA star Stephen Curry for impressive form during run to Qatar Open final

As he inches closer to once again capturing the title at the Qatar Open, Andrey Rublev has admitted to drawing inspiration from a fellow athlete, professional basketball player Stephen Curry.

Rublev survived a three-set semifinal encounter against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, prevailing in a third set tiebreak. The Russian had faced a similar battle against Australian Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals, saving a match point to advance in a third set tiebreak.

Read also

Tournament Centre ATP Qatar Open 2025: Schedule, results, Prize Money and TV Guide

Curry's mental strategies had a stabilizing effect, admits Rublev

In an interview with Russian publication, BB Tennis, Rublev shared how he borrowed some strategies from the Golden State Warriors point guard to help him focus. Rublev is known for losing his cool on the court, but the World No.10 has been searching for ways to minimize his outbursts.

"I watched a video of Stephen Curry... where he talked about some of the tricks he used to help him focus," said Rublev. "One of them was a phrase he wrote on his sneaker to remind himself, to help him trigger the right mood. I thought that a sneaker would be a really good option. It won't rub off, it’s easy to write on and it’s always there."

Rublev disclosed he would initially write words like "responsibility" on his wrist to help him curb his outbursts, but the ink quickly faded due to sweat. Therefore, the 2020 Doha champion adopted Curry's approach of writing mantras on his sneakers, ensuring they remained visible during matches.

As he attempts to regain the title at the Qatar Open, Rublev will have to get past Britain's Jack Draper in what should be a thrilling final.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe