Andrey Rublev has been accused of competing in a tournament despite knowing he would be “leaving” to play the ATP Finals.
The world No. 9 beat Lorenzo Sonego in his opening match at the recent Moselle Open before immediately pulling out citing an injury.
Sonego has now claimed Rublev planned to withdraw all along and even turned up to the match with his suitcases, claiming his decision was “unfair” and “disrespectful”.
Rublev took a wildcard into the ATP 250 event in Metz so he could fight for one of the last remaining spots at the season-ending championships. Only the eight players who have earned the most ranking points in a single year can qualify.
The Russian was ninth in the race but could have leapt ahead with a good run at the Moselle Open. However, his standing didn’t matter in the end as Novak Djokovic – who qualified sixth – announced his withdrawal from the ATP Finals.
It cemented Rublev’s place in Turin. However, he still took to the court in Metz and beat Sonego. Straight after the match, the tournament announced his withdrawal.
“During his match, A.Rublev experienced pain, which was confirmed by on-site medical staff who suspected an abdominal injury. He chose to withdraw from the tournament and travel to Turin to follow a treatment and recovery protocol, to enhance his chances of competing in the ATP Finals,” organizers wrote on social media.
Sonego has now slammed Rublev for pulling out after his match, claiming he robbed him of the opportunity to advance in the tournament if he never intended on playing after his first match.
“Rublev didn’t act very fairly. There are people who go to tournaments to play and to try to do well, people who want to advance,” the world No. 51 told Ubitennis.
“There were some lucky losers waiting to get in, and he took the spot from a lucky loser; he took away my chance to move forward in the tournament when he already knew he wasn’t going to play. It wasn’t very fair or respectful toward me.”
The Italian has also accused his opponent of planning to leave as soon as the match was over, as he arrived at the courts with his luggage so he could head to Turin.
