Fiery rivalry between Tsitsipas and Rublev could reach boiling point at Indian Wells

| by Alex Waite

The growing war of words between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev could spill over onto the court at the upcoming Indian Wells tournament.

Rublev and Tsitsipas have continued to take shots at each other off the court in an increasingly hostile feud. The growing grudge started when Tsitsipas said he was the better player after the Greek player lost to Rublev in the 2022 ATP Finals.

Now the rivals could meet in the Indian Wells quarter-finals if they progress through the initial stages. However, despite Rublev seeming unconcerned by the remarks, Tsitsipas did eventually apologise to his opponent and he later regretted the comments.

"Andrey is an excellent player. He has a great array of weapons that he uses extremely well on the court. He can hit the ball really hard, he’s sort of like the Marat Safin of the new generation,”

Tsitsipas said to Arab News in December 2022
Medvedev takes a shot at Tsitsipas for his comments on Rublev
Medvedev takes a shot at Tsitsipas for his comments on Rublev

Although Tsitsipas has tried to calm the hostilities, the issue has not gone away just yet. Rublev's good friend Daniil Medvedev used his platform after winning the Dubai Championships to hit back at Tsitsipas and defended his compatriot.

"Andrey is one of the most skilful players on the tour, he just didn’t exploit fully his potential but I’m sure that he can win Grand Slams. Hopefully, he can beat this guy, who said it, many, many times, and I wish this for sure."

Medvedev backed Rublev to beat Tsitsipas

If Tsitsipas and Rublev clash at the Indian Wells quarter-finals, it will be the first time the duo have met since the ATP Finals in November 2022.

The potential match could provide a highlight and it will be one that fans will be keeping a close eye on over the coming weeks.

2023 Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open ATP Draw with Alcaraz, Zverev, Medvedev & more
2023 Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open ATP Draw with Alcaraz, Zverev, Medvedev & more

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