By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday March 8, 2024
Andrey Rublev has posted a sincere apology for the incident that led to his eventual default in Dubai. The Russian, who hadn’t yet addressed his behavior in a meaningful way, took ownership of his actions and said that he was deeply sorry for treating a linesman in such a matter.
Whether he was defaulted or not, docked prize money or not, is a separate issue, to be debated by the powers that be, but it was important for Rublev, one of the most-adored and well-liked players on the tour, to express himself on the matter.
In an Instagram post he said: “It is unacceptable to yell or to scream at someone – doesn’t matter who,” Rublev said. “If it’s a linesman or just a spectator it’s unacceptable and I’m really sorry. It doesn’t matter if the guy is right or wrong, it’s unacceptable and I’m nobody and no one to do those things. For sure I got a lesson and for sure I learned from it.”
Rublev has always been a volatile player on court, one that is prone to temper tantrums and self-berating outbursts, but it was important for him to recognize that he crossed a line when he acted in a threatening, demeaning day towards the linesperson in question.
We all know that athletes operate under extreme stress, and things – sometimes regrettable – happen on a tennis court. What matters is that said athlete can admit when he’s made a mistake and own up to it. Rublev has provided a blueprint for a sincere apology that other athletes can look up to and emulate in the future.
As far as this writer is concerned, he’s more than forgiven.