Andrey Rublev was on the wrong end of a shocking first round upset at Wimbledon on Tuesday. The Russian tennis star was absolutely furious with his play and smashed his racket on his own knee like a lunatic during a full-blown meltdown.
It is starting to become a theme…
Rublev is not known for being even-keeled. He is often at the center of heated on-court incidents that occasionally involve an umpire or another player. They are usually singular to himself.
The 26-year-old is the definition a hot head. His ability to manage anger is poor and Tuesday was no exception!
Francisco Comesana was a major underdog in his opening round match against Rublev. The world’s No. 122-ranked player ended up winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 and knocked the world’s No. 6-ranked player out of Wimbledon.
Rublev was furious.
Comesana broke him for the second time to go up 4-1 in the third set. Rublev lost his mind. He proceeded to smash his racket on his own knee seven times. Hard!
I think Rublev needs to see a sports psychologist. This happens far too often, and it's pretty excessive. pic.twitter.com/oneqavULmK
— Bill Cooney (@BillCooney) July 2, 2024
Tuesday’s loss was the second disappointing exit from a Grand Slam event in as many months, essentially. Rublev kicked and screamed his way out of the French Open in Paris on May 31st and later said that he could not “remember behaving worse at a Slam ever.”
As for his behavior on Tuesday, Rublev explained that his outburst stemmed from the rules of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. He would’ve just trashed his racket on the ground instead.
I would not do it if I was able to hit the racket on the floor […] because we’re not allowed to hit them with the grass.
— Andrey Rublev
Comesana’s second break also happened to be his literal breaking point.
I don’t know why in that moment, I couldn’t take it any more. I needed to let emotions out. But thanks, everything is fine. Again, I was a bit lucky.
— Andrey Rublev
Even though Tuesday’s outburst wasn’t great, it was far better than how he behaved in France. Still, Rublev understands that his conduct was and is not appropriate.
Of course, I didn’t behave today as in Paris, but I could still do much better.
— Andrey Rublev
Andrey Rublev clearly has an anger issue that could use some work. However, getting back to winning is the first priority. His outbursts can wait.