"I would have thrown your appeal in the bin": Former umpire slams Andrey Rublev for apology issued after Dubai default drama

Former umpire Richard Ings shared his opinion on Andrey Rublev's statements following his disqualification at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The Russian player sparked controversy during the match against Aleksandr Bublik by shouting at a line judge.

The score was 6-5 in favor of the Kazakh in the decisive third set when the world No. 5 allegedly insulted the line judge, leading the tournament supervisor to conclude the match and award the victory to Bublik. Additionally, the organization revoked Rublev's prize money and points earned for reaching the semifinals.

However, Rublev appealed to the ATP to have the points and prize money reinstated, and his request was granted. The Russian expressed his gratitude on X for the determination of the appeals committee:

"I want to thank the appeal committee for approving my appeal and changing course on the ATP's initial decision of disqualifying me from the Dubai semifinal and taking away the rankings points and prize money I earned last week," Andrey Rublev wrote on his X handle.

Former umpire Richard Ings criticized Rublev's statement, as he believed the player exhibited serious misconduct and failed to issue a public apology for his actions:

"No public apology for his gross misconduct towards the defenseless line umpire. Walking up screaming, poking his racket near the line umpire's face. Unconscionable misconduct and zero remorse. I would have thrown your appeal in the bin and backed the on-court officials," he wrote.

After his disqualification in Dubai, Rublev is gearing up for his debut at Indian Wells. The Russian is the 5th seed and will receive a bye in the first round. In the second round, he awaits the winner between 3-times Grand Slam champion Andy Murray or a qualifier.