WATCH: Andrey Rublev mercilessly annihilates his racket after a tragic meltdown facing 4th consecutive loss

Rublev last won a match in the second ro

WATCH: Andrey Rublev mercilessly annihilates his racket after a tragic meltdown facing 4th consecutive loss

Andrey Rublev smashes his racket after being defeated by Brandon Nakashima in Barcelona Open (Images via IMAGO)

World No. 8 Andrey Rublev‘s poor run of form continued at the 2024 Barcelona Open as well. Playing against World No. 87 Brandon Nakashima, the Russian suffered a straight-set loss in the second round of the ATP-500 event. Being the second seed, he had received a bye in the first round.

Nakashima had defeated Dan Evans in straight-sets to set up the clash with Rublev. He came all guns blazing at the Russian No. 2 and overpowered him 6-4, 7-6(6). It was the second career Top-10 win for the American youngster. As for Rublev, he has now suffered four consecutive straight-set defeats.

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Despite winning the title in Hong Kong at the start of the 2024 season, Rublev hasn’t found that form again. The frustration has been building within him since then. He suffered a straight-set defeat in his first match at last week’s Monte Carlo Masters where he was the defending champ.

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The 15-time Tour title winner would have hoped to end his losing streak while going against Nakashima. But the American had other plans and convincingly outplayed the former World No. 5. As Rublev’s shot landed outside the baseline on the match point, he immediately started smashing his racket six times on the ground in a fit of rage.

There has been no official confirmation on whether Rublev will be fined or penalized in any way for his outburst. While players receive a warning or point penalty if a similar incident happens on the court, nothing’s confirmed as of now in the case of Rublev who smashed his racket after the match ended.

Fans demand strict punishment for Andrey Rublev’s rising bad-boy behavior

Rublev has been in the news for a while now for his outbursts. He has been seen hitting himself after conceding points or losing a match. His racket smashing is well-documented as well. Recently, he was defaulted from the semis in the Dubai Championships for shouting in the face of a line umpire.

Andrey Rublev
Andrey Rublev (Image via IMAGO)

His points and prize money for the week were initially withdrawn following the default. However, he won his appeal and both things were reinstated angering many. As he is yet to be penalized for his latest unsportsmanlike behavior, fans on social media demanded strict action against him.

Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:

https://twitter.com/iamoldashell/status/1780244302657900925

While Rublev can now take a break to figure out a way to win, Nakashima will take on 13th-seeded Tomas Etcheverry. The Argentine defeated Dominic Republic’s Nick Hardt in straight-sets to reach the third round.

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