Rublev Advances to Third Round at US Open with Victory Over Boyer

Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev overcame American Tristan Boyer to progress to the third round of the 2025 US Open on Thursday, August 28th, continuing his campaign at Flushing Meadows.

The 15th-seeded Russian faced the 113th-ranked Boyer on the Grandstand court at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where Rublev was heavily favored to advance. The match marked the first career meeting between the two players.

Coming into the match, Rublev was in solid form following a successful week at the Cincinnati Open, where he reached the quarterfinals before falling to Carlos Alcaraz. The 27-year-old entered the US Open with a 30-19 record for the 2025 season and having won his 17th ATP title earlier this year in Doha.

Boyer, making his US Open debut after earning his first Grand Slam victory against James Duckworth in straight sets in the opening round, was seeking to continue his breakthrough run. The 24-year-old American had shown resilience in his first-round match, recovering from 3-0 down in the second set to secure a 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 victory.

Off-Court Chemistry with Coach Safin

Beyond the match itself, Rublev drew attention for his off-court activities with his new coach, former Russian great Marat Safin. The pair, along with Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov, entertained spectators during practice sessions by attempting to break the glass windows surrounding the court with tennis balls.

The viral video from the practice courts showed the playful side of Rublev’s preparation, with Safin even opening fresh cans of balls to continue the lighthearted challenge. Despite dozens of attempts, none of the players succeeded in breaking the windows, but the camaraderie on display reflected Rublev’s improved mindset under Safin’s guidance.

Support for Medvedev

Earlier in the week, Rublev made headlines for his supportive comments about fellow Russian Daniil Medvedev following the former US Open champion’s emotional first-round exit. Medvedev had an extraordinary meltdown during his five-set loss to Benjamin Bonzi, leading to concerns about his mental state.

“If he wants to change and needs help, he has me, a lot of other friends and family that will help him,” Rublev said, offering support to his longtime friend. “It’s his life and his decision what he needs to do. Only he knows what is happening.”

The gesture highlighted the close friendship between the two Russians, with Rublev serving as godfather to Medvedev’s children. Rublev has been open about his own mental health journey, having worked with a psychologist to address his previously destructive on-court behavior.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Rublev continues his quest for a breakthrough Grand Slam result. The Russian has reached the quarterfinals of all four majors but has yet to advance to a semifinal at any Grand Slam tournament. His best result at the US Open came with quarterfinal appearances in 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2023.

Rublev’s path forward at the 2025 US Open will depend on maintaining his current form and composure, qualities that appear to have been strengthened through his work with Safin and his continued focus on mental wellness both on and off the court.