Khachanov & Rublev Reportedly Clashed Over Stance On Russia's Actions
The War in Ukraine had a really huge effect on the tennis world and according to Politico, Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov clashed over it.
Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov are friends having grown up on the ATP Tour together. Most of the Russian players like Rublev, Khachanov, and Medvedev have known each other for years but in the case of Rublev and Khachanov, it's a bit deeper than that.
They have been playing doubles together for years and consider each other very good friends. Their matches are always competitive and bring some of the best out of one another with some friendly competitiveness.
Despite the friendship, the duo don't agree on all things, and the War in Ukraine is seemingly one of them. According to Politico, the duo engaged in a passionate discussion about the topic at the Serbia Open last year. According to Politico a locker room figure who is familiar with the row between the players said that the players held differing views on the matter.
While Rublev argued for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, Khachanov didn't want to see Russia negotiate from 'a position of power'. According to the same source, Khachanov argued that Russia should 'show its greatness' to the world through the conflict in Ukraine. The player seemingly confirmed to a journalist that he did talk to Rublev but didn't say much else.
It was our private conversation. I am an athlete, not a politician.
While the Russian might be an athlete he's certainly not apolitical. He might not show it often but he did during the Australian Open when he left a political message on the Australian Open cameras in support of Artsakh.
Artsakh is the name of a breakaway state in Azerbaijan that has an Armenian majority. The independence is not internationally recognized by the United Nations but it's 'unofficially' backed by the Moscow regime. Khachanov has significant Armenian heritage and explained the move as support for his people who suffer under an oppressive regime.
Khachanov himself has largely avoided talking about the war in Ukraine explaining recently at Roland Garros that he doesn't understand politics well. According to Politico thought he understands it very well but the true nature of the supposed conversation between Rublev and himself in Belgrade remains unclear.
When asked about it, Khachanov didn't deny that he and Rublev spoke but what was truly said remains to be seen. Rublev has passionately argued for peace before so that part of the story seems rather plausible. Rublev was one of the first Russian players to publicly advocated for piece writing in February of last year No War Please during the Dubai Championships.
Disclaimer: The claims and alleged conversation were reported by Politico and are yet to be addressed by the players.
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