Andrey Rublev takes slight dig at Novak Djokovic for late withdrawal from ATP Finals after criticism from Lorenzo Sonego

Andrey Rublev blamed Novak Djokovic's late withdrawal from the ATP Finals behind his decision to play in Metz.

Andrey Rublev takes slight dig at Novak Djokovic for late withdrawal from ATP Finals after criticism from Lorenzo Sonego

Andrey Rublev, Novak Djokovic (Images via X)

Andrey Rublev‘s participation at the ATP Finals depended on Novak Djokovic‘s decision. The defending champion announced a few days before the start of the tournament that he would not be arriving in Turin because of an injury. 

Djokovic announced his decision on November 5. On that same day, Rublev was scheduled to play his first match at the Moselle Open in Metz against Lorenzo Sonego. As Rublev was assured of his qualification for the ATP Finals, after beating Sonego, he withdrew from the tournament. 

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Sonego criticized Rublev for his withdrawal, as he accused the World No. 8 of not intending to play the tournament which ‘wasn’t fair or respectful’ towards him. He also blamed Rublev for taking the spot from other players.

Rublev has now responded to the criticism and took the blame. He admitted that he played in Metz solely to get to the Finals because of Djokovic’s late announcement. 

All the tournaments and players knew about it. If he had withdrawn earlier, no one would have played this tournament. But Novak withdrew on the day of the match. I decided to play because the spectators bought tickets. I wanted to somehow compensate for my situation with Turin. I am sure that if Sonego were in my place, he would have done the same.

Andrey Rublev said (via Championat.com)

Daniil Medvedev reveals which shot he would like to take from Andrey Rublev 

Andrey Rublev qualified for the ATP Finals and played his first match against Alexander Zverev where he registered a straight-set defeat. He, along with compatriot Daniil Medvedev, took some time to relax and talk about each other’s shots. 

China Open Men's singles draw
Andrey Rublev (Image via X)

Rublev said he would like to take Medvedev’s backhand, while the latter responded that he likes Rublev’s forehand.

I would take the forehand. What makes Andrey a champion is his forehand, it’s his power. Yeah. I mean he also fights, but since he was young, for me at least it was his forehand, because you know when I play you, I try to play more on your backhand, because if I touch the forehand, I run. 

Daniil Medvedev said 

Like Rublev, Medvedev also lost the first group-stage match he played against Taylor Fritz but breezed past Alex de Minaur in the next round. Medvedev, who won the Tour Finals in 2020, is next set to lock horns with World No.1 Jannik Sinner, while Rublev, after losing to Carlos Alcaraz, will be meeting Casper Ruud.