SEPT 20 - 22, 2024 | BERLIN
While he has only competed with Team Europe once at the Laver Cup, Andrey Rublev is one of the all-time points leaders in the competition, widely regarded as an MVP at Boston 2021 where he dismantled the opposition in singles and doubles.
The popular 25-year-old relished his experience at TD Garden and infused each match with his characteristic powerful hitting while lighting up the bench with an engaging personality that has attracted millions of fans across the globe.
With the stands packed and roaring for the home team, Rublev was motivated to spoil the party for Team World.
“All matches, you want to win. The emotions are real.”
Always himself on court, the No.6-ranked Rublev has a fresh outlook according to his teammates.
“Andrey plays with all his heart and soul every shot that he hits,” says Casper Ruud. “It’s full intensity, full power and he’s a really funny guy, so he will be the guy who brings good vibes every day no matter if it’s a tough day or not, he will always smile and joke and have a good day.”
Holger Rune, who lost both the final of the 2023 ATP Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 to Rublev in three sets, as well as their fourth-round Australian Open battle in five, knows too well the damage Andrey can inflict with his forehand but finds him a calming presence off court.
“Rublev is going to give us the forehand,” he notes. “He’s going to give us very good energy, he’s a very chilled guy off the court.”
How it’s going
‘Rubl’, as he is known, brings flair and form into his Laver Cup return, with his two 2023 trophies from five finals coming at Monte Carlo and Bastad. Since turning pro in 2014, Rublev has won 14 singles and four doubles titles, his Laver Cup Boston debut highlighting successful partnerships with Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev.
The former world No.1 junior is an eight-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, three of those coming at the US Open where he was most recently held back by countryman Daniil Medvedev.
Rublev at the Laver Cup
Rublev is a tough competitor and knows how to celebrate with his teammates, recalling the moment he was doused with champagne after Team Europe’s triumphant Boston campaign.
“Every day was fun,” he says. “The funniest was the champagne shower after the win. I was laughing a lot at that moment.”
Also in Boston, he collected the signatures of players from both sides on a t-shirt, as well as those of Captains Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.
“The final signature was Rod Laver and I took a picture with this t-shirt and Rod Laver. I gave it to my parents.” He is honored to spend the week with Team Europe Captain Borg, who he says is “super relaxed” and will do what is required to bring the Cup back to the boys in blue.
“For me it will be a pleasure to practice with all the guys and try to improve my level. I will try to bring points and support the guys.”
