Novak Djokovic Proudly Supports Andrey Rublev After His Iconic Victory

Andrey Rublev recently delivered a stunning performance at the Qatar Open, overcoming Jack Draper to claim his sixth ATP 500 title. This victory marked a turning point in Rublev’s 2025 season after a slow start and earned him a special endorsement from Novak Djokovic. The 24-time Grand Slam champion took to social media to express his admiration and congratulations for Rublev’s impressive feat.

Andrey Rublev’s Journey to Victory at the Qatar Open

The 2025 season did not begin as Andrey Rublev had hoped. He suffered an early first-round exit at the Australian Open, losing in straight sets to Joao Fonseca. His struggles continued at Rotterdam, where despite reaching the quarterfinals, he fell to Hubert Hurkacz despite having won the first set.

However, Rublev gradually found his rhythm at the Open Occitanie, where he advanced to the semifinals, showing signs of improvement. By the time he arrived in Qatar, he seemed to have rediscovered his best form. From the Round of 32, the world No. 10 played with renewed confidence, breezing through opponents and even surviving a tense semifinal battle against Félix Auger-Aliassime to reach the championship match against Jack Draper.

A Thrilling Qatar Open Final

Draper, determined to secure his first ATP 500 title, started strong, putting Rublev under pressure early in the match. However, Rublev responded with composure, taking the first set 7-5.

Draper bounced back in the second set, playing with greater intensity and securing a 7-5 win of his own, forcing a decider.

But when it mattered the most, Rublev took full control of the match. In the third set, the 27-year-old Russian dominated, winning 6-1, hitting an incredible 34 winners throughout the match, and closing out the contest in just two hours and six minutes.

With this emphatic victory, Rublev not only secured his second Doha title (his first being in 2020) but also extended his head-to-head record against Draper to 4-0.

Novak Djokovic Congratulates Rublev on His Triumph

Shortly after Rublev lifted the Qatar Open trophy, Novak Djokovic took to Instagram Stories to share his admiration for the Russian’s achievement.

“Congratulations @andreyrublev!” Djokovic wrote, reposting a video clip from TennisTV showcasing Rublev’s moment of triumph.

The Serbian legend also commended Jack Draper for his fighting spirit:

“Well played @jackdraper!”

Additionally, Djokovic extended his appreciation to the Qatar Tennis Federation for hosting yet another successful event:

“And well done @qatartennis for organizing another great event.”

Djokovic’s public support highlights the respect and recognition Rublev has earned from one of the sport’s greatest players, further solidifying his status as a top-tier competitor.

Djokovic’s Own Struggles at the Qatar Open

While Rublev was celebrating a career milestone, Novak Djokovic faced an unexpected early exit from the tournament.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a shocking first-round loss to Matteo Berrettini, marking the first time he had ever lost to the Italian in an official match.

Adding to the concern, Spanish broadcaster ‘As Más Deporte’ captured Djokovic limping at Doha Airport, fueling speculation about a lingering injury. This has raised alarms, especially considering that Djokovic had experienced leg discomfort during his Australian Open quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz.

What Rublev’s Victory Means for His 2025 Season

Winning the Qatar Open is a significant moment for Andrey Rublev, as it marks his first ATP title since Montreal 2024. More importantly, it signifies that he has regained his winning mentality and form heading into a crucial part of the season.

After his victory, Rublev reflected on what it meant to him:“It feels amazing. This is the first time I’ve won the same title twice. I’m really happy. I don’t even know what to say!”

He also spoke about the challenges of the final:

“We were both exhausted, and it was really tough, but somehow, we managed to play at a high level. When I lost the second set, I just let go and started playing more freely. I was in a good mental space and didn’t let frustration take over. When I got frustrated, I reset and kept my intensity.”

Can Rublev Finally Break Through at a Grand Slam?

With his recent success in Doha, the question now is: Can Andrey Rublev maintain this momentum and contend for a Grand Slam title?

Although Rublev has established himself as a consistent ATP 500 and ATP 1000 champion, he has yet to make a deep run in a Grand Slam tournament. With his aggressive baseline game and ability to dominate rallies, 2025 could be the year he finally makes a breakthrough at a Major event.

Next Challenge: The Sunshine Double

Following the Qatar Open, both Andrey Rublev and Jack Draper are set to participate in the Sunshine Double, beginning with the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

Key Questions Leading into Indian Wells & Miami Open:

Can Rublev continue his excellent form and compete for a title at Indian Wells or Miami?
Will he finally translate his ATP 500 & ATP 1000 success into a deep Grand Slam run?
How will Djokovic’s fitness concerns impact his chances at the Sunshine Double?

As the tennis season heats up, fans around the world will be watching closely to see if Rublev can take the next step toward tennis greatness!

Breaking Through the Grand Slam Barrier

Rublev has long been recognized as one of the most dangerous players outside the “Big Three” era, but despite his aggressive baseline game, powerful forehand, and relentless energy, he has yet to reach a Grand Slam final. His best results at the Majors include multiple quarterfinal appearances, but he has often struggled to get past the sport’s biggest names on the biggest stages.

At 27, he is now entering his prime years, and 2025 could be his moment to finally break through the Grand Slam ceiling. His biggest test will come at Roland Garros and the US Open, where his game is best suited.

Mental Toughness: The Final Hurdle?

One of the main critiques of Rublev’s game has been his emotional volatility on court. His fiery temperament has led to moments of frustration, which sometimes affects his performance in crucial matches. However, his victory in Doha—especially his ability to reset mentally and take control in the deciding set—suggests he is making strides in the mental aspect of his game.

If he can maintain this composure in high-pressure Grand Slam moments, Rublev could soon be lifting his first Major trophy.

Novak Djokovic Proudly Supports Andrey Rublev After His Iconic Victory