Following the end of the 2022 Serbia Open final, Andrey Rublev declined the custom of signing balls for fans after his win.
Recently, it's been a custom at ATP events that winning players sign balls for fans after the match. Rublev defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Serbia Open final at Novak Tennis Center in Belgrade after a spectacular match, in which he prevailed 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-0 to lift his third trophy of the season.
After previously triumphing in Dubai and Marseille earlier this year, Rublev enjoyed another successful tournament at the 2022 Serbia Open when he defeated Jiri Lehecka, Taro Daniel, Fabio Fognini, and World No. 1, Djokovic in the final.
After the match, while the crowd was chanting 'Nole, Nole' in support of the local hero, Rublev was given the balls to sign. However, the 2022 Serbia Open champion opted to decline the honor, offering it to Djokovic instead, reasoning that fans probably wish for his signature more.
In the end, the 34-year-old Serbian legend accepted his offer, but not without Rublev contributing his signature. They ultimately both signed the balls that were given to fans in attendance.
After the final, the players exchanged kind words, with Rublev thanking the crowd and Djokovic calling him a great champion and 'a great guy.'
It’s no secret that Rublev and Djokovic get along well, and that’s also one of the reasons why the Russian acted in a very nice way towards the home-crowd favorite. After the final match, the Russian paid respect to his final opponent as well as the crowd in the Serbian capital.
"It is big to play against you and share the court for the second time. I hope we have more battles. I feel so great here, it is a very nice city. It feels really special. I want to say a big thanks to all the spectators for supporting all the players all week. To see full crowds again is special for all of us."
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