Former world No. 5 tennis star surprisingly admits a shocking truth about himself and makes an important decision

Rublev, 27, also realizes that his opponents have gradually figured out his usual playing style. The Russian admits he must adapt if he doesn’t want to fall behind. "It’s not that they’ve decoded my game," Rublev said. "The problem is that my level has reached its limit. Now I have two choices: either remain stuck in the top 20 while younger players advance, or boldly change everything to give myself a chance for the rest of my career."

Rublev said he will take this opportunity to "refresh" his coaching team and seek new directions. Whether these changes will be effective remains uncertain, but it’s clear Rublev is trying to overcome his current performance crisis.

Fans of the Russian player have not hidden their disappointment over his recent poor results. Although Rublev’s talent is undeniable, the big question is whether he has the courage and adaptability to surpass his own limits.

Rublev’s 2024 season has been generally decent: he played 53 matches, winning 32 and losing 21. However, inconsistency has caused his ranking to drop. Notably, Rublev has lost his last four matches consecutively and was eliminated early in three recent tournaments after just one match. At the Hangzhou Open, he was unexpectedly defeated by lesser-known French player Valentin Royer in the round of 16 with scores of 4-6, 6-7. Then at the China Open, Rublev exited in the round of 32 after losing to Flavio Cobolli 6-7, 3-6. At the Shanghai Masters, after receiving a first-round bye, Rublev again lost to Nishioka 2-6, 6-1, 4-6.

After this latest defeat, Rublev told Russian media that he feels his playing style has reached a "ceiling." "I don’t think opponents have fully understood me," he said. "But I know I need to change. Otherwise, younger, more talented players will push me far down from the top ATP ranks."

Rublev also revealed he is considering learning from two of the world’s top players right now – Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) and Jannik Sinner (Italy). "What needs to change? Everything," Rublev admitted. "I think I should watch more closely how Alcaraz and Sinner play. Maybe I have to study many of their matches to learn their tactical approach."

Indeed, Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated men’s tennis throughout 2024. They hold the No. 1 and No. 2 world rankings and have shared all eight of the most recent Grand Slam titles. Each has won two major trophies this year, and they have faced each other in three Grand Slam finals.

In contrast, Rublev has experienced a forgettable Grand Slam season. For the first time since 2020, he failed to reach the quarterfinals in any major tournament. At the Australian Open, Rublev was eliminated in the first round by young Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca with scores of 6-7, 3-6, 6-7. At Roland Garros, he lost to Sinner 1-6, 3-6, 4-6 in the fourth round. At Wimbledon, Rublev exited in the round of 16 after losing to Alcaraz 6-7, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6. At the US Open, he was defeated by Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) 5-7, 3-6, 4-6, also in the fourth round.

The only highlight of Rublev’s dull season was his Qatar Open title in Doha in February, where he defeated Jack Draper (England) in three sets 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 to win the trophy. However, since then, the Russian player has not regained the consistent form that once helped him reach the world’s top five.

Now, as Rublev chooses the path of "career revival" by making comprehensive changes—from fitness, tactics to mindset—fans are eagerly waiting to see if he can break free from this slump and return to the top group of ATP players soon.