Andrey Rublev takes slight dig at Novak Djokovic for late withdrawal from ATP Finals after criticism from Lorenzo Sonego

Rublev’s chances of qualification for the year-end finals were hanging by a thread, which prompted him to compete at the Moselle Open. Seeded first, he received a bye in the first round, following which he clinched a win over Lorenzo Sonego in his opening match.

By this time, Novak Djokovic had announced his withdrawal from the year-end finals, confirming Rublev’s spot. Soon the Russian withdrew from the tournament immediately following his win over the Sonego.

This left a bad taste in Sonego’s mouth as he lashed out at Andrey Rublev and stated how the Russian came to the match with a packed suitcase and said that his behavior ‘wasn’t very respectful or respectful’.

During an interview after his 4-6, 4-6 defeat to Alexander Zverer at the ATP Finals, Rublev clarified that he understood where Lorenzo Sonego’s anger came from but he explained how he was in desperate need of points in order to qualify for the year-end finals. He said how he, alongside Casper Ruud and Alex de Minaur, awaited Novak Djokovic’s decision.

“I understand his emotions, it was probably badly on my part. Everything is relative. I came to this tournament to get to the Finals. He understood it, the tournament organizers started that Novak would withdraw, Ruud, de Minaur and I were waiting for his decision,” Andrey Rublev said. (via championat.com)

However, the Serb withdrew on the day of his match and he had to play out of respect for the spectators. Rublev stated how Sonego would have done the same thing if their positions were swapped.

“All the tournaments and players knew about it. If he had withdrawn earlier, no one would have played this tournament. But Novak withdrew on the day of my match. I decided to play because the spectators bought tickets. I wanted to somehow compensate for my situation with Turin. I am sure that if Sonego were in my place, he would have done the same.”

Andrey Rublev will next play Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals 2024

Andrey Rublev, seeded eighth, will play third seed Carlos Alcaraz in his second group-stage match of the 2024 ATP Finals. Both men lost their opening-round matches and will look to get going in what is likely a do-or-die match. This will be the third meeting between the two men, with both men having won a match each.

Alcaraz lost 1-6, 5-7 to sixth-seed Casper Ruud in their opening bout but it is worth mentioning that the Spaniard was struggling during the match. He later admitted that he felt ‘uncomfortable’ during the match.

Following this, Rublev will meet Casper Ruud in his final group stage match, while Alcaraz will play second seed Alexander Zverev.