“Most of his tantrums are to himself,” Andy Roddick clears the air on Andrey Rublev’s Dubai fiasco as he stands in solidarity with the Russian

After successfully appealing the decision, Andrey Rublev retained his prize money and ranking points, and his punishment was reduced to a fine of USD 36,000.

“Most of his tantrums are to himself,” Andy Roddick clears the air on Andrey Rublev’s Dubai fiasco as he stands in solidarity with the Russian

Andrey Rublev (L), Andy Roddick (R) (Source: IMAGO)

Andy Roddick has finally given his opinion on Andrey Rublev‘s defaulting in the semifinal of the 2024 Dubai Open during his match against Alexander Bublik.

Although he agreed that Rublev was not right about the call, the former American tennis player said that taking away points and prize money that he had already earned was in no way right. 

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Andrey Rublev is pretty well known for his anger fits and tantrums in the tennis world, and fans are divided in their opinions regarding this aspect of the sport. However, Andy Roddick keenly observed that he keeps most of his tantrums to himself, and that should not concern others. For starters, breaking his own racquet out of anger should not lead to a player being punished. 

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I like Andrey Rublev. I think most of his tantrums are to himself. Tennis has this weird code of like you break your own racquet, we punish you. What adult isn’t allowed to break their own stuff if they want to.
Roddick added. (Source: Served Podcast)

Furthermore, as per the tennis professional himself, whether or not Rublev should’ve been defaulted on is debatable. He would definitely not have hit the umpire, but he surely did try to threaten or at least intimidate him with his actions and words, and that did not look great. However, taking away the prize money that he had already won makes no sense. 

I don’t think it warranted a default. That’s kind of not the point to me. The point is you cannot take ranking points away. He won 3 matches… It would be like if you worked at a car dealership and sold 3 cars from Monday to Thursday. You go off and tell your boss something on Friday and you get fired, & they take your commission for the 3 cars you sold… that makes no sense.
Continuing further, he added

Andy Roddick is certain that Rublev will become a better player and person 

Giving his take on the recent fiasco, Andy Roddick highlighted that a fine of 37 grand is a bit steep. The 2003 US Open winner further said that the Russian will become a better player and a better person in the days to come. 

Andrey Rublev
Andrey Rublev(Via Imago)
He said he's gonna be a better person and a better player. From all accounts, he's a great person. He's one of the most liked guys on tour.
He said. 

Andrey Rublev will face Andy Murray next in the round of 64 of the 2024 Indian Wells. The two players have a 1-1 head-to-head record. However, interestingly enough, Rublev will be the favorite entering the match as he is simply in better form. 

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