Haren
Before he lost the match, Andrey Rublev lost his temper.
Seeded sixth at the Paris Masters, the Russian lost to Francisco Cerundolo 6-7 (6), 6-7 (5) in the second round; a defeat that also severely dented his hopes to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals.
However, during the two-hour tie, Rublev cut a frustrated figure. He routinely shouted at himself, cursed and in a bout of anger, he smashed his racquet against his left knee at least seven times in succession. He hit himself so fiercely that it left his knee bleeding.
🇷🇺 “SHUUUUUUUT UP”
Un enfant a encouragé Rublev pendant son service face à Cerundolo.
En plus le public de Bercy est tellement proche 🤯pic.twitter.com/UcUv75TI4f
— TennisTemple (@tennistemple) October 29, 2024
The incident took place in the third game of the second set, when one of his forehand returns did not cross the net.
It wasn’t the only time Rublev lost his cool during the match. Leading 5-3 in the first set but down love-30 on his serve, Rublev hit another forehand into the net. Instantly, he had another meltdown — on this occasion, he turned towards the crowd behind him and screamed: “Shut up.”
Can somebody get Rublev some mental help? A mental coach? Therapy? Something?
This is getting out of hand. pic.twitter.com/mQ3uXa1ZRC
— Scott Reichel (@ReichelRadio) October 29, 2024
Later in the match — moments after he left his knee bleeding — Rublev picked up a water bottle and smashed it on the court.
There have been multiple incidents of the 27-year-old hitting himself on the left knee this year — he had earlier done it at the French Open, when he lost in straight sets to Matteo Arnaldi in the Round of 32 and weeks later, when he lost to Francisco Comesana in the first round of Wimbledon.
These results have left Rublev in a precarious position with regards to his qualification for the year-end event.
The Russian player held the eighth and final qualifying place in the race for the season-ending ATP Finals and could be overtaken by rivals this week.
