"I was being accused of things I didn't do": Andrey Rublev maintains innocence opening up on Dubai default drama again

ATP
Thursday, 07 March 2024 at 21:30
rublevdefault
Andrey Rublev discussed the incident with the line judge at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which resulted in his disqualification from the tournament during the semifinals against Aleksander Bublik, with the Kazakh leading 6-5 in the third set.
The Russian raised his voice at the line judge after a questionable call, leading to a heated exchange. Subsequently, the chair umpire decided on disqualification. It was later announced that the world No. 5 would also forfeit the points and prize money earned during the week. However, the decision was overturned after Rublev appealed.
Following the controversial incident, the 26-year-old spoke with journalist Sofya Tartakova and acknowledged that his behavior was inappropriate. He reiterated that he apologized several times: "Of course, I was disturbed, too. So, by now, I've apologized several times. No, not hard at all because it was my fault and it's unacceptable to behave like that, to raise my voice like that.
“No matter if it's a line judge, a fan, or just a regular person. I am no one to allow myself such things doesn't matter if a person has been correct or not," Rublev said.
"Such things are unacceptable in general, it's disrespectful. So of course, I feel guilty about it, and I'm ashamed that I allowed myself to do such things. To be honest, I have been allowing myself similar things many times before that incident," he continued.

Rublev faces fan criticism

The disqualification in Dubai had repercussions beyond the tennis courts, with many fans criticizing the player and expressing support for the line judge. According to Rublev, dealing with the fans' reaction, accusing him of something he didn't do, proved to be challenging:
"It was also difficult because I was being accused of things I didn't do. Of the words that I didn't say. I talked to them, it was all discussed and watched, then, after the discussion you suddenly see that they've added even more words that you didn't say," Rublev said.
"I wasn't even offended. I just didn't understand how, we've talked it over, you can see it clearly, you can hear it clearly. I just wanted to be fair. At least punish me fairly for what I've really done. For screaming at a person, for swearing at a person. It was indeed unacceptable to punish me for that," he added.

Andrey’s brief chat with Sofya: Sofya: was it difficult to apologize? Andrey: no, not hard at all, because I am to blame…i am a nobody to allow myself such things..they are unacceptable in general. it’s disrespectful, so of course I feel guilty for it.

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