Andrey Rublev reveals honest conversation with Daniil Medvedev about overcoming his 'really crazy' personality

Andrey Rublev has opened up about seeking Daniil Medvedev's advice on managing his emotions after watching his compatriot successfully overcome those issues. Rublev shares a close friendship with the former World No. 1, even serving as the godfather to Medvedev's elder daughter Alisa.

As he gears up to win his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open, Rublev is not only focused on bettering his on-court performance but also improving his mental composure.

The 27-year-old struggled with anger issues throughout the 2024 season, often engaging in on-court outbursts, one of which ended in a disqualification at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Rublev also frequently resorted to self-harming behavior, like drawing blood after smashing his knee with his racket and injuring his hands by banging them against the strings.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Andrey Rublev disclosed that he was in a "much better place" and no longer plagued by the same "crazy anxiety." The Russian also admitted that while he and Daniil Medvedev didn't confide in each other deeply despite their friendship, he had made an exception to ask the World No. 5 about his transformation from being "really crazy" in his junior days.

Rublev emphasized that the key lay in being honest with himself, explaining that this approach helped him deal with the triggers that caused him to become overly emotional, aggressive, or stressed.

"We share some things, but very little. I was asking him how he was able to change because, when he was a junior, he was also really, really crazy. But when he was winning and playing major finals super-consistently, he was super calm," Rublev said.

"Everything comes back to being honest with yourself. When something triggers and makes you emotional, aggressive or stressed, it’s something deep inside you don’t accept. Once you are honest you can start to navigate," he added.

Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev could lock horns in Australian Open 2025 4R

Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev - Source: Getty

Daniil Medvedev will square off against Kasidit Samrej in his opening match at the 2025 Australian Open, as he commences his quest to go a step further at the Melbourne Slam after his runner-up finish last year. If the World No. 5 emerges victorious, he will face Camilo Ugo Carabelli or Learner Tien, followed by a potential third-round clash with Alexei Popyrin.

Andrey Rublev, meanwhile, will kick off his campaign against 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals champion Joao Fonseca in a highly anticipated encounter. The ninth seed will take on the winner of the match between Lorenzo Sonego and Stan Wawrinka in the second round, with Frances Tiafoe looming as his likely third-round opponent.

If Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev both reach the fourth round of the Australian Open, they will lock horns in a blockbuster battle for a spot in the quarterfinals. Medvedev will have the advantage heading into the potential matchup since the World No. 5 holds a dominant 7-2 lead in their head-to-head record.