Andrey Rublev highlights the big tennis issue that ‘scares’ him after close call ahead of the Madrid Open

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Andrey Rublev will look to defend a Masters 1000 title for the first time when he takes to the court for the 2025 Madrid Open.

In 2024, Rublev won the Madrid Open title, beating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5.

The title was the Russian’s second at the Masters 1000 level, having won the Monte-Carlo Masters one year earlier.

The world number eight has struggled for form this year and has secured just two tour-level victories since Rublev won the Qatar Open in February.

Ahead of his return to action in Madrid, Rublev has explained what happened to him recently that nearly landed him in serious trouble.

Andrey Rublev says tennis’ doping rules ‘scare him’ and admits he was ‘lucky’ to avoid violation recently

As Marca reveals, Rublev shared his thoughts on tennis’ doping policy ahead of the Madrid Open.

“It’s an issue that scares me,” he said.

“We have to write down in a schedule where we’ll be at every hour of the day. If you forget or aren’t there, it’s one of three mistakes. It’s not fair.

“This makes you live in a constant state of stress.”

The Russian explained how close he came to picking up one of his three ‘strikes’ recently.

“For example, yesterday I forgot to adjust my schedule because I came to Madrid. Luckily, nothing serious happened,” said Rublev.

2025 Houston champion Jenson Brooksby recently returned from his 13-month suspension which he received for missing three tests.

The 27-year-old believes the current doping rules put too much stress on ATP Tour players, suggesting that they may be negatively affecting his health.

“Over the years, I’ve become wary of taking medication. If I feel sick, I avoid taking anything,” said Rublev.

“In my case, I’m lucky to be able to talk to doctors, but that’s not the case for everyone.

“The doubts even extend to food; there are prohibited substances even in meat.

“It can drive you crazy.”

Andrey Rublev’s route to a second Madrid Open title

Rublev will look to put his close call behind him and focus on defending his Madrid Open title in 2025.

The Madrid Open is by far Rublev’s most successful tournament at the Masters 1000 level, having won an impressive 79% of his matches at the event.

Rublev has been placed in what could be considered the weaker side of the Madrid Open draw, avoiding a potential clash with former champions Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz until the final.

Andrey Rublev’s route to the Madrid Open title (By ranking)

• 2R – Gael Monfils
• 3R – Alexei Popyrin
• 4R – Ben Shelton
• QF – Alexander Zverev
• SF – Taylor Fritz
• F – Carlos Alcaraz

He could, however, face a tough quarterfinal clash with Munich Open champion Alexander Zverev, who last lifted the title in Madrid four years ago.

The Russian trails the head-to-head with Zverev 7-3, but did beat him in their most recent clay court encounter.

Rublev beat Zverev on his way to the title in Bastad two years ago, taking down the German in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.

Only time will tell if Rublev can score a fourth career win over Zverev at this year’s Madrid Open tournament but it will certainly be something to look out for.

Rublev will first focus on his second-round match, where he’ll take on either Gael Monfils or a qualifier on Friday, April 25.