“It sounds a bit dramatic or whatever, but like what’s the reason or purpose to live? (I was) just completely lost with myself. (It’s) one thing is when it’s happening (for) one month, two months, three months, okay, maybe you still have patience or something. But when it’s happening (for) one year, two years, three years, four years, five, and it’s coming for many, many years, in one moment it’s like you cannot take it anymore.”

In an effort to keep himself calmer on court, Rublev has been doing breathing exercises during changeovers. He has worked with various psychologists. Conversations with former world No 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin have also given him a boost.

“With the help of Marat, he kind of made me understand myself or look at myself, and that was a bit of a restart from rock bottom. From there at least I was able little by little to start to move in a better direction and now I’m moving little by little in this better direction.

“I’m not happy; I’m not in a good or bad place. But I’m not feeling any more stress. I’m not feeling anxious. I’m not having depression. I’m just neutral — not happy, not bad. But at least I found the base, and that’s like a beginning.”