Andrey Rublev says he hit his leg repeatedly with his racket because if it did so on the ground it would have gotten him a fine at Wimbledon.
The Russian world No.6 crashed out in the first round on Tuesday after losing 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6, to Francisco Comesana. It is the first time he has lost his opening match at a major event since the 2021 French Open and is now set to slip down the rankings after his latest defeat.
However, the most concerning thing for Rublev might be what happened during his match. Out of anger, he repeatedly smashed his racket against his leg which eventually drew blood. Something the fiery Russian has done before and he has earned a reputation for his outbursts on court. One of which got him defaulted from the Dubai Tennis Championships earlier this year.
“It is the main problem I need to improve,” Rublev said of his behaviour.
“Of course, I didn’t behave as in Paris, but I could still do much better. This is not the way.”
“The main priority is to be positive during all of the match.”
Admitting he was ‘a bit lucky’ to not cause any harm to himself, Rublev explained that he felt compelled to do what he did in order to let his emotions out.
“I would not do it if I was able to hit the racquet on the floor. Because we’re not allowed to hit the grass. I don’t know why at that moment, I couldn’t take it any more. I needed to let my emotions out.” He said.
Asked if he watched videos of himself getting frustrated on the court, Rublev said he doesn’t before adding it takes “process and time” to improve.
