"It's like Djokovic and Murray, why not try it"? - Jimmy Connors gives his take on Andrey Rublev hiring Marat Safin as coach

Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev has joined forces with compatriot and former World No.1 Marat Safin, as the latter is now a member of Rublev's coaching team. This move could prove to be the missing key for Rublev, according to tennis great Jimmy Connors.

Following a three-match losing streak by Rublev, the former World No.5 announced he would be adding Safin to his team, beginning at the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters. Although Rublev lifted the trophy at the Qatar Open in February, the Russian has suffered first round exits in Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami.

Read also

ATP Rankings Update after Miami Open: Jakub Mensik rises to new heights after title triumph as Novak Djokovic remains in top five

Having similar personalities could strengthen their relationship, says Connors

As the ATP transitions from hard courts to clay, Rublev has decided to make some changes, adding the two-time Grand Slam champion Safin to his coaching team. Connors spoke about the new move on his Advantage Connors podcast, highlighting the similarities between the two Russians.

"I think it’s an opportunity for both," said Connors. "Rublev probably needs somebody like him, the same attitude and personality. The same character that can understand what he is going through when he is up and down and going through a lot of the waves you are going through when you are playing a match.
"Safin, for sure, watching him play was kind of like [Ilie] Nastase, you never know what you are going to get, which made it more fun and then if he played great tennis it was even better. I think that could be very good for Rublev, because Safin has been away from the game for a while.
“He has probably been watching from the sidelines and looking at this guy and saying if you do this and this, and picking it apart a little bit. He probably reached out and said what do you think and he said man I got some ideas. It’s like Djokovic and Murray, why not try it? Give it a go and see it."

Read also

(VIDEO) Shock scenes as Francesca Jones collapses mid-match in Bogota, taken off court in wheelchair

Subscribe to our Newsletter

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

Subscribe