Tennis player Andrey Rublev voices discontent over US Open's penalties for swearing, receiving a fine as a result.
In the exciting world of tennis, the U.S. Open continues to deliver thrilling matches, with the fourth round set to feature a clash between Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime on Monday.
Rublev's journey to this round was marked by a victory over Alexander Zverev, but his path hasn't been without its challenges. A year ago at Wimbledon, Rublev experienced an on-court meltdown, drawing blood by repeatedly hitting himself with his racket during a first-round exit.
Rublev, however, has shown support to another Russian tennis player, Daniil Medvedev, who has been struggling recently. Medvedev received a total fine of $42,500 at this year's U.S. Open for unsportsmanlike conduct, including $30,000 for his outburst when a photographer entered the court during his match, and an additional $12,500 for destroying his racket. In contrast, Rublev was fined less, primarily for a single, lesser offense, amounting to $3,000 for using foul language during his second-round match.
Rublev believes that cursing during crucial moments in sports or life is normal and happens to many people. He also expressed his opinion that fining players for cursing during self-talk is not always fair, depending on the situation. Rublev compared the use of foul language during self-talk to the behavior of people outside sports in stressful moments.
Rublev expressed his concern over Medvedev's recent struggles and believes that he needs time to recover from a tough loss at the U.S. Open. He stated that Medvedev has the support of friends, family, and himself if he chooses to seek help.
In a similar incident at the 2022 Roland Garros, Rublev was fined $8,000 for taking the hat off a nearby groundsman's head after losing a set. Rublev maintains that it's his decision how he talks to himself on the court, and he doesn't believe it should be charged if he uses bad words, unless he directs them towards someone or screams excessively on the court.
As the U.S. Open continues, both Rublev and Medvedev have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, both on and off the court. Their upcoming match promises to be an exciting showdown, filled with intense competition and perhaps a few choice words.
