The reigning Madrid Masters 1000 champion admits to feeling stressed by the ITIA's strict testing rules and talks about his partnership with Marat Safin

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Andrey Rublev denounces anti-doping pressure ahead of Madrid title defence

International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) Andrey Rublev, the reigning Madrid Masters 1000 champion, has spoken out about the stress on tennis players caused by the demands of the anti-doping system. About to make his debut in the second round of the tournament against the winner of the match between Gael Monfils or a player from the preliminary round, the Russian tennis player was sincere in his speech to the media.

"Doping is a subject that worries me a lot. Every day we have to report our exact location. If you forget to do that and they come to do a test without you being present, that counts as a foul. And three misdemeanours can mean up to two years of punishment," explained the Muscovite, visibly concerned about the rigorous protocol of the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency).

Rublev also confessed that this fear has changed the way he takes care of himself: "I'm more and more afraid of taking any medication. If I feel unwell, I prefer not to take anything for fear of a possible positive result".

At the same time, the Russian has started a collaboration with Russian tennis legend Marat Safin. "We've only been working together for two weeks, but I like the way he sees tennis and what he wants to transmit to me. It's too early to draw conclusions, but I have a good feeling," he said.

Regarding his expectations for the tournament, Rublev was clear: "It all depends on me. In this kind of event you have to be ready to face top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev or Jannik Sinner. But it's not so much the opponent that matters as your preparation. Sometimes, without playing against the favourites, I have lost to other in-form players. The secret is to be prepared and play at the highest level.

The Russian tennis player will begin his journey in Madrid with the aim of defending his title and proving that, despite the external pressures, he can remain among the best on the circuit.