"Not sure how many matches McEnroe would finish in 2024": Adrian Mannarino, Nick Kyrgios among others back Andrey Rublev amid default drama
ATPSaturday, 02 March 2024 at 23:00
After
Andrey Rublev's default at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, it sparked
reactions from the tennis world, including responses from his colleagues Nick
Kyrgios, Adrian Mannarino and Reilly Opelka
The Russian
tennis player was facing Aleksandr Bublik in a highly competitive semi-final at
the Dubai Open. Rublev had taken the lead in the first set, but Bublik managed
to push it to the decisive set, where it seemed that another tie-break was on
the horizon.
The match
seemed destined for yet another tie-break with the score at 5-5 and Bublik
serving. A narrowly missed forehand gave the game to the Kazakh, who took a 6-5
lead. This prompted Rublev's frustration, leading him to shout at a line judge
for what he perceived as a refereeing mistake.
Another
official, fluent in Russian, informed the chair umpire that Rublev had sworn in
his native language, although Rublev denied it: "I was talking to him in
English," he said. Umpire Miram Bley defaulted Rublev, and as the hours
passed, several of his colleagues expressed their support for the 2023
Monte-Carlo champion.
Adrian
Mannarino drew a comparison with John McEnroe, suggesting that the American
would have been disqualified many times if the same criteria were applied.
Similarly, Nick Kyrgios commended Bublik for expressing his desire to continue
with the match.
"Omg
coming out to snitch! Not sure how many matches Mc Enroe would finish in
2024," Mannarino wrote.
"Class
from Bublik, saying he wanted to continue. Respect. Feel for Rublev. Did not
warrant a default," Kyrgios wrote.
Even Reilly Opelka expressed on Instagram: "Bush league... the linesman should get demoted to pickleball asap; That ref's a f****** moron."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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