ATP reinstates Andrey Rublev’s ranking points and prize money after appeal against controversial default in Dubai

The fine (of nearly £30,000), however, has been allowed to stand.

ATP reinstates Andrey Rublev’s ranking points and prize money after appeal against controversial default in Dubai

Andrey Rublev defaulted from the 2024 Dubai Championships (Image via IMAGO)

Russian tennis ace Andrey Rublev got back his prize money and ranking points after he appealed against his defaulting at the Dubai Tennis Championships for unsportsmanlike behavior. The ATP said that it would be “disproportionate” to take away the ranking points for the week and all the prize money the player won. The fine (of nearly £30,000), however, has been allowed to stand.

Notably, Andrey Rublev was defaulted for swearing in Russian at the line judge during his semifinal match against Alexander Bublik at the Dubai Tennis Championships. However, the Russian ace was protesting against the decision claiming he never spoke Russian.

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Rublev also demanded that the replays be checked. However, as there was no facility available on the tour, the supervisor made the last call and the player had to leave the match. Also, Rublev was penalized as per the rules resulting in the loss of his prize money and ranking points earned in that week.

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But it seemed unfair to many. A few former and current players including Andy Roddick and Nick Kyrgios felt that a default was too severe a punishment for Rublev. The player, meanwhile, appealed against the decision and the ATP has come up with a solution now.

ATP reinstates Andrey Rublev’s prize money and ranking points after inquiry

The ATP has decided to reinstate Andrey Rublev’s prize money and ranking points earned in the week based on the inquiry carried out by the men’s tennis governing body. The ATP spokesperson revealed that the decision was made after testimonies from players, and officials, and also reviewing the audio and video footage available.

Andrey Rublev Default
Andrey Rublev Default(Via Imago)

The ATP felt that taking away the ranking points and prize money would be disproportionate in this case and hence it decided to reinstate the rewards.

The appeals committee concluded that, beyond forfeiting the match, customary penalties associated with a default – namely loss of rankings points and prize money for the entire tournament – would be disproportionate in this case. As such, Rublev retains semi-final points and prize money for the tournament.

The ATP spokesperson said. (H/T: inews)

Notably, Andrey Rublev earned more than $150,000 (approx. £118,000) of prize money and 200 ranking points for his semifinal run at the ATP 500 tournament.

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