By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday October 29, 2024
Andrey Rublev has often talked about getting his temper under control. And when he does he sounds sincere. Remember, it was only nine months ago that the Russian blew up on court and was disqualified for physically threatening an official in the Dubai semifinals.
Afterwards a contrite Rublev vowed to get his volatile temper under control.
“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's struggles have continued, however.
At Roland-Garros he melted down in despair during a shock loss to Italy's Matteo Arnald.
“Completely disappointed with myself the way I behaved, the way I performed,” said a dejected Rublev at the time, “And I don’t remember behaving worse in a slam ever. The problem is the head, that today basically I kill myself."
Rublev had more issues at Wimbledon, where he again took his frustration out on his knee. Afterwards he laughed it off, saying at least he didn't damage the hallowed lawns of the All England Club.
World No.7 Rublev didn’t yell at an official today in Paris, but his abhorrent behavior, which featured tortured screams at spectators, a smashed water bottle during a tirade in his chair and self-harm with his racquet (that drew blood from his knee) is once again raising concern among the tennis community.
“This has gone from tennis meme to source of serious concern,” tweeted journalist Jon Wertheim, echoing the sentiments of many who took to Twitter to share now viral videos of Rublev’s behavior during his 7-6(6) 7-6(5) loss to Francisco Cerundolo.