To look away: Andrey Rublev’s performance on the sacred turf. © ANSA / TIM IRELAND
Andrey Rublev will certainly remain in the memory of many tennis fans after this Wimbledon appearance – but not because of his sporting performance.
03. July 2024
By: sportnews
In the first opening match against the Argentinian Francisco Comesana, the sixth-seeded Russian became so angry after a failed backhand that he completely lost control. So much so that he injured himself.
Rublev, who is known for his emotional outbursts, hit his left knee seven times with full force after a mistake in the third set. When the pair changed sides, it was clearly visible that the area of his body was bleeding. Despite his efforts, Rublev was unable to turn the match around and was surprisingly defeated by Grand Slam debutant Comesana 4:6, 7:5, 2:6, 6:7 (5:7).
The frustration over his own performance erupted in a self-destructive action that ultimately further impaired his concentration. “I had to let my emotions run free,” explained Rublev after the match. “I wouldn’t do that if I was allowed to hit the ground with my racket. But it’s all fine.” It is not Rublev’s first outburst of anger: in the past, the Russian has bit his racket or hit it on the ground.
Rublev’s first-round exit is a bitter disappointment, especially after his strong performance last year, when he reached the quarter-finals. Many experts also counted him among the extended circle of title contenders this year. The early exit against Comesana is a setback for the 26-year-old Russian.
2024-07-03 07:24:58
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