Rublev vs. Monfils, Monte Carlo Preview & Pick
The play on court should be entertaining, but of greater interest may be the new-but-very-familiar face in Rublev’s coaching box. The Russian’s compatriot, and boyhood hero, Marat Safin, has joined his team.
We can’t say yet whether Safin will be the answer; he’s not the first guy I would call if I was looking for anger-management lessons, the way Rublev has been of late. Still, there’s a sense that, at 27, with a playing style that has long seemed set in stone, Rublev could use a new voice.
Read More: PHOTOS: Andrey Rublev, Marat Safin serve all the moments at Monte Carlo practice
The Rublev-Safin show may have a tough debut. At 38, Monfils has been in late-career renaissance mode in 2025. He’s 15-5 on the year, and already has a win under his belt in Monte Carlo. But Rublev is a past champion here, and he leads their head-to-head 2-1. As we’ve seen in a number of cases on tour in recent years, the simple act of working with a new coach can give a player a boost. Winner: Rublev
