Andrey Rublev is generally known as a calm and kind person when he’s away from the tennis court, but that characterization does not apply during competition. Never was that more evident than on Friday during a 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 6-4 loss to Italian pro Matteo Arnaldi at the French Open. That’s when Dr. Jekyll disappeared and Mr. Hyde arrived.
Throughout the match, Rublev was unable to contain himself. At times, he slammed the racket against his knee, sending thuds throughout the stunned venue. He also repeatedly smashed the racket against the court, kicked a metal bench off to the side, and screamed in frustration.
It was an afternoon to forget for Andrey Rublev at Roland-Garros #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/U0ou2C16Ca
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 31, 2024
“There’s no hiding places for Rublev,” the announcer said. “Sadly for him, it’s a very public way to go completely nuts. Whatever the outcome, you feel he’s got to get some help with this because to go through this so frequently. . . it’s just so destroying for him.
“At times, he’s his own worst enemy.”
During a somber post-match press conference, Rublev acknowledged that his behavior was completely unacceptable.
“Completely disappointed with myself the way I behaved, the way I performed… I don’t remember behaving worse (at the) Slams ever,” he said, via Tennis.com. “I think it was first time I ever behaved that bad.”
Tennis legend John McEnroe also chimed in, saying Rublev “crossed a line for himself” during the Friday meltdown.
