‘Worried’ Martina Navratilova gives Andrey Rublev a piece of advice after his latest meltdown at US Open

Martina Navratilova wants Andrey Rublev to save his energy to hit tennis balls instead of his head after he lost his cool at the US Open.

‘Worried’ Martina Navratilova gives Andrey Rublev a piece of advice after his latest meltdown at US Open

Andrey Rublev, Martina Navratilova (Images via X, Fox News)

Martina Navratilova is worried about Andrey Rublev‘s outbursts as she made some remarks after his latest meltdown at the US Open. He was up against Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round on September 1 and after a grueling five-setter, Rublev lost the match with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6(3), 1-6, 3-6, 6-3 inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Dimitrov was leading 4-1 when the incident happened. A frustrated Rublev started smashing his shoes with his racket multiple times, following which he hit his wrist violently with the racket. Rublev cut his hand because of this and called for medical assistance.

YouTube video

This prompted a worried Navratilova to give the Russian a piece of advice. She urged Rublev to save his energy by hitting “tennis balls and not his head.”

He beats himself and the negative energy just cannot be helpful. He just keeps making the same mistake over and over again. You are worried for him. Come on, just get it together. You are only hurting himself, literally physically and emotionally.
Martina Navratilova told Sky Sports

Watch the video here:

Rublev’s defeat means Dimitrov’s first quarterfinal appearance at the US Open since 2019. The ninth-seed from Bulgaria, who has not yet lifted a Grand Slam trophy, will next face home favorite Frances Tiafoe. Dimitrov performed his best at the US Open in 2019 when he reached the semifinals. 

Martina Navratilova thinks Andrey Rublev can win Grand Slam trophy

Andrey Rublev has lifted two titles this season (Hong Kong Open and Madrid Open) and has won 16 titles overall. He is yet to reach a Grand Slam semifinal. The 26-year-old has made it to the quarterfinals in every major event, reaching the US Open last eight four times.

Andrey Rublev
Andrey Rublev (Image via X)

Martina Navratilova, while talking about Rublev’s anger issues, stated that while Rublev has the ability to win a Grand Slam title, he “needs to work on his mentality” to achieve that dream.

He’s got the game to win a major, I believe that. He’s got the big serve, the big forehand and he just needs to improve his net game a little.
Martina Navratilova said

Before the US Open, Rublev, in a fit of anger, hit his knees multiple times during his opening-round match against Francisco Comesana at 2024 Wimbledon. He also suffered a complete meltdown during his third round against Matteo Arnaldi at the French Open. 

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