Tracy Austin cautions Andrey Rublev over his ‘self-destructive outbursts’ finding the Russian carrying two personalities

American tennis legend Tracy Austin has commented on the actions of Andrey Rublev during his ATP Finals group stage matches.

Tracy Austin cautions Andrey Rublev over his ‘self-destructive outbursts’ finding the Russian carrying two personalities

(L-R) Tracy Austin and Andrey Rublev. (credits: Sports Illustrated, Tennis Majors)

World No. 5 Andrey Rublev has had a great year by his standards, and the fans are expecting great things from the Russian in the coming days. However, his behavior at the recently played ATP Finals has caught everyone’s eye, with many pundits and stars accusing him of having double standards. 

Rublev failed to register a single win at the ATP Finals group stage round, thereby bowing out with a major dip in his confidence. American tennis legend Tracy Austin has commented on the actions of the Russian during his matches. 

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Austin talked about the self-destructive outbursts during the matches, saying that the Russian has two different personalities. While supporting him, she revealed how much of a light-hearted person Rublev is outside the field, bringing out the example of being a godfather to Daniil Medvedev‘s daughter. 

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He's also the rare two-sided personality: the off-court Andrey is different than the on-court Rublev. Away from competition, Andrey is funny, light and friendly. He greatly enjoys being the godfather of his buddy Daniil Medvedev's daughter, Alisa. Once Rublev’s on the court, though, his intensity is sky-high. His ability to focus and crack the ball so powerfully helps him win lots of matches.
Austin said via Tennis.com

She also talked about how Rublev needs to learn to control his emotions if he is to reach the top in the long run. She further concluded by saying that Rublev has the potential and will very soon get a hang of his self-destructive outbursts. 

She further added:

But sometimes, Rublev’s emotions get the best of him, and he has self-destructive outbursts. I hope in the years to come that Andrey and Rublev find harmony together.

What actually happened with Andrey Rublev during the ATP Finals?

During his second group stage matchup of the ATP Finals against Carlos Alcaraz, Rublev hit himself with the racquet six times, leading to self-destruction.

With blood oozing out of his knees, he couldn’t calm himself down. Such was the level of frustration throughout the match. Rublev also had to be checked by a doctor after this incident, with the entire tennis world bashing the Russian for trying to cause self-harm.

Andrey Rublev frustrated with himself during the ATP Finals. (credits: We Love Tennis)

Rublev repeated something of this sort in the very next match against Alexander Zverev, hitting the racquet on the ground several times in disgust. It didn’t stop there, as Rublev went on to slam water bottles on the ground as he bowed out of what looked like a seemingly disastrous competition.

The entire tennis community has been trying to provide condolences for the Russian, trying to spark a ray of hope after his morale dipped following the tournament. 

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