Andrey Rublev was heckled after mentioning Rafael Nadal in a rage during the Madrid Open.
When Andrey Rublev yelled at a Madrid Open umpire and brought up Rafael Nadal, he got jeered.
Rafael Nadal was mentioned by name by Andrey Rublev in an irate tirade to the umpire during his Madrid Open match. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the world No. 8, was not happy when he was given a point even though both players heard that one of his shots was called out. When Rublev went up to the chair to present his case, the Spanish audience jeered him.
At the Madrid Open on Sunday, there was additional drama as Rublev felt unfairly treated after Davidovich Fokina won a pivotal point. The Spaniard had lost the opening two points of the game and was serving at a 3–4 disadvantage when he found himself at 30–30.
Following a call on one of Davidovich Fokina’s shots, the 27th seed promptly contested it. When it transpired that the ball had been called in and he canceled the challenge, there was some uncertainty. Rather than redoing the play, the umpire gave him the point, which infuriated Rublev.
Adel Nour wasn’t having it when the 26-year-old marched to the chair to protest that the out call had hindered his return. The umpire told Rublev, “We don’t have a review, we have to play,” as jeers and whistles erupted around Manolo Santana Stadium.
“I promise, I’m not saying nothing; I know I bring the ball out. Rublev shot back, saying that the linesman’s out call was the reason for his missed return. “He called it before I shoot,” he said. The umpire said, “I promise you I will see it after the match but for now [we have to play],” but there was nothing more that could be done.
Then, Rublev brought up another incident from the former world No. 1’s match on Saturday, dragging Nadal into the discussion. The world No. 7 continued his anger, saying: “It’s exactly the same thing that occurred with Rafa yesterday. I’m beginning to believe that there is no need for referees on the court—just machines. I am aware that I bring the game, and I respect that. I won’t remain silent. However, he called it before I fired.
However, Nour disagreed, therefore Rublev had to continue playing. However, I’m attempting to convey this to you. I received the call subsequent to your hitting the ball. I have to make the decision, therefore that’s why it didn’t effect you,” the umpire said.
It happened after Rafael Nadal asked to speak with the referee at the start of his second-round match against Alex De Minaur. The 37-year-old stopped playing and circled the ball mark on the clay after believing one of De Minaur’s shots went out. However, because he didn’t ask for a challenge vocally, the umpire gave his opponent the point and declined to notify the supervisor.
Nadal complained, “It’s your fault because you think that I want to keep playing, you not understanding if I stop and mark the ball.” Fergus Murphy, the chair official, stood his stand nonetheless, saying, “But I saw everything; I simply didn’t see you challenging.” I need you to take action.”
Nadal went on to win the match, sending the world No. 11 packing and taking home the biggest scalp of his comeback. And Rublev will be aiming to beat Davidovich Fokina by overcoming the drama as well. In a long first set, he prevailed 12–10 in the tiebreak.
Leave a Reply