LONDON — World No. 14 Andrey Rublev has opened up about the importance of handling defeat with maturity as he prepares for a high-stakes fourth-round clash against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon. The Russian star, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, emphasized the need to "lose in the right way" as part of his growth as a player and competitor.
Rublev, who reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2021, has been vocal about his struggles with emotional control during matches. His candid reflections come after a series of deep runs in Grand Slams this year, including a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open. "Tennis is not just about winning—it's about how you handle the losses," he told reporters at the All England Club.
The Art of Losing Gracefully
Rublev's comments highlight a shift in mentality for the 26-year-old, who has often been his own harshest critic. "When I was younger, I would destroy rackets, scream at myself—it didn’t help. Now I try to accept that even the best lose sometimes," he said. This philosophical approach has been tested recently, including a heartbreaking five-set loss to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros.
His coach, Fernando Vicente, has been instrumental in this transformation. Key changes include:
- Focusing on breathing techniques between points
- Limiting negative self-talk during matches
- Analyzing losses objectively rather than emotionally
Alcaraz Challenge Ahead
Rublev's next test comes against world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, who has looked dominant in his Wimbledon title defense. The Spaniard holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage, including a straight-sets win at last year's ATP Finals. "Carlos brings out the best in me because I have to be perfect tactically and emotionally," Rublev admitted.
Tactical Adjustments
Analysts suggest Rublev must adapt his aggressive baseline game to counter Alcaraz's versatility. Key strategies may include:
- Targeting Alcaraz's forehand with depth
- Mixing serve-and-volley plays on grass
- Maintaining first-serve percentage above 65%
Statistics from their previous meetings show Rublev wins 72% of points when he controls the rally tempo—a crucial metric for Monday's match. "The numbers don't lie, but neither does pressure in a Grand Slam," noted former champion Mats Wilander.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond Wimbledon, Rublev sees this maturity as essential for his quest to break into the top 5. "The players who last—Federer, Nadal, Djokovic—they all mastered this. Even when they lost, they made their opponents earn it," he reflected. This perspective has been shaped by his work with sports psychologist Alexis Castorri, who joined his team in 2023.
The tennis world has taken notice of Rublev's evolution. "Andrey's emotional intelligence now matches his physical power," observed BBC commentator Andrew Castle during Rublev's third-round victory over Sebastian Korda.
Conclusion
As Rublev steps onto Centre Court against Alcaraz, the match represents more than a quarterfinal berth—it's a test of his hard-earned composure. "Win or lose, I want to walk off knowing I competed like a champion in every sense," he stated. For a player once defined by outbursts, this Wimbledon could mark the arrival of a more complete competitor.
The fourth-round showdown is scheduled for Monday, with weather permitting. Should Rublev prevail, it would mark his first Wimbledon quarterfinal in three years and further validate his philosophical approach to the sport's inevitable defeats.