Racket Slams, Bench Kicks, and Brutal Honesty: Rublev's Fiery Exit from Roland Garros 2024
Remember last year's French Open? While upsets happen, the way Andrey Rublev bowed out in the third round against Matteo Arnaldi was particularly memorable – and not necessarily for the tennis itself.
Things started unraveling for the then-World No. 6 after dropping a tight first-set tiebreak to the young Italian. A racket toss earned him an initial warning. But as the match slipped further away (he lost 7-6, 6-2, 6-4), Rublev's frustration boiled over dramatically.
The crowd at Stade Roland Garros watched – and booed – as Rublev repeatedly slammed his racket onto the clay, screamed towards his player box, and, in a moment of peak exasperation during the third set, violently kicked the metal player bench multiple times before smashing his racket again, this time against his own knee. It was a raw, uncomfortable display of emotion spiraling out of control.
What stood out almost as much as the meltdown itself was Rublev's intense self-criticism afterward. In his press conference, he didn't hold back.
"Completely disappointed with myself with the way I behaved, the way I performed," he stated, calling it his worst behavior ever at a Grand Slam. "I think it was the first time I have ever behaved that badly."
He even admitted his actions likely fueled his opponent, saying, "I put myself completely down and I gave Matteo wings to fly... It was too late to do something." Rublev added poignantly, "I feel in some moments it is tough to be kind to myself."
This wasn't an isolated incident, recalling his default in Dubai earlier that year for yelling at an official. It highlights the immense pressure these athletes are under and the ongoing battle Rublev seems to face managing his on-court intensity.
While Arnaldi deservedly moved on (facing Tsitsipas next), Rublev was left grappling with a performance he deeply regretted. What do you think? How much does on-court behavior affect your view of a player? Let us know below!
