Andrey Rublev Heavy Favorite as Doha Return Brings Spotlight on Partner Anastasija Homutova
Defending champion Andrey Rublev faces Jesper de Jong in the Round of 32 at the 2026 Qatar Open, standing as a clear favorite ahead of Tuesday’s match. The contest in Doha not only tests Rublev’s early-season form but also renews attention on his private life, with long-term partner Anastasija Homutova a familiar figure in his player’s box.
Doha clash: odds, form and expectations
Rublev, seeded 14th, meets No. 86 Jesper de Jong in a match that has drawn little doubt from bookmakers. Odds listed Rublev at -649 and de Jong at +425, implying roughly an 86. 6% chance that Rublev will advance. Those odds were updated Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026 at 10: 35 AM ET.
The matchup pairs a seasoned tour regular with an up-and-coming opponent whose 2026 results have been uneven; de Jong entered Doha with a 1–5 record for the season. Rublev’s start to 2026 has been described as solid but not flawless, and Doha remains one of his most productive venues. He heads to the court as the defending champion and with a strong history in the event, having lifted the trophy in previous years.
Match previews emphasize Rublev’s experience and attacking baseline game as decisive factors. De Jong can be dangerous on his day, but the gulf in ranking and recent form makes this a toss of expectations tilted heavily toward the Russian. A straight-sets win would be the simplest path for Rublev; anything longer could signal that de Jong has found a way to stretch the favorite.
Off-court spotlight: Anastasija Homutova and Rublev’s private life
While Rublev’s on-court results draw headlines, he has largely kept his personal life private. Anastasija Homutova, his partner, has quietly carved out her own profile. Born Oct. 29, 1996 in Latvia and raised in Moscow, Homutova is a former professional player who transitioned into coaching and modelling. She studied psychology at the Open University of Catalonia and now balances part-time coaching with other work in the sport.
The couple met at a tennis event in 2016 and have maintained a low-key relationship since. Public attention spiked in 2025 after Homutova changed her social handle and shared a welcome message that referred to her as Mrs. Rubleva, sparking marriage speculation. She also appeared as Anastasija Rubleva on a visitor badge at a major U. S. tournament in 2024. Over the years she has frequently accompanied Rublev to tournaments and was alongside him when he won in Dubai in 2025.
Rublev’s career achievements provide context for that public interest: multiple ATP Tour singles titles, success on the doubles circuit, and a mixed-doubles Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2020. Financially, his prize-money haul runs into the tens of millions across singles and doubles, supplemented by sponsorship and endorsement deals.
What’s next in Doha
For Rublev, Doha offers a chance to build momentum early in the season and defend points from last year. For de Jong, the match represents an opportunity to upset the draw and claim a signature win. Either way, the spotlight on Rublev’s tennis will be matched by curiosity about the life he leads off the court, where Homutova remains a steady, if private, presence.
Play is set for Tuesday at the Qatar Open, and the result will shape Rublev’s path through the draw as he seeks another deep run in a tournament where he has previously excelled.
