Andrey Rublev defended himself from criticism after being heard swearing at the 2025 US Open, and felt the decision to fine him for his actions was harsh.
Rublev is among the fieriest players on the ATP Tour. His furious outbursts during matches have earned him notoriety and some fans, but they have also sparked concerns for his well-being on and off the court.
The ten-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist has worked with Marat Safin, who also had a similar edge during his playing career. Rublev says having the former Grand Slam champion in his corner helps him to process negativity.
The 27-year-old played Tristan Boyer in the US Open third round. Despite not being near his best, Rublev prevailed 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 and narrowly avoided the uncomfortable prospect of a fifth set.
However, Rublev was frustrated with his level throughout the match. Although he had no particularly terrible outbursts, the No. 15 seed could be heard swearing at himself at one point during the contest.
That led to Rublev's $3,000 fine. In a press conference after defeating Coleman Wang in the third round, he argued that financial penalties should not be given for players swearing at themselves, but only when it is directed at opponents or others.
"It depends on the situation. When I am talking to myself in a bad way, it is my decision how I do it. In my opinion, you cannot charge for this. If you talk to the opponent, referee, or umpire with bad words, yes. When you do it towards someone or you are screaming on the court, then yes, obviously."
"But when you talk to yourself, it is your decision how you want to talk. For this, I don't think it should be a big punishment or anything like that. At the end of the day, it happens in all sports."
Rublev, who lost in the fourth round to Felix Auger-Aliassime on Monday, believes that tennis players get held to unrealistically high standards for their conduct, and argues that people in other sports and everyday life sometimes swear and get annoyed during stressful moments.
"The same with everyone in life, in the crucial moments. I don't believe that all of us are super holy and never say bad words in the crucial moments. So, it's the same when we are performing. We get stressed, and it happens. As I said, if you are doing it towards someone or too much openly, then yes, but to yourself, it's your decision how you want to talk."
There have been a few heated moments at the 2025 US Open
Rublev's close friend Daniil Medvedev caused massive controversy for his conduct in a first-round loss to Benjamin Bonzi at the US Open. He delayed the Frenchman's serve on match point after he had been given another first serve when a cameraman tried to leave the stadium.
A few days later, Medvedev's partnership with his long-time coach, Gilles Cervara, ended. Although neither man provided confirmation, it seemed that Cervara may have instigated their split after working together since 2017.
Denis Shapovalov also made an extraordinary accusation in his defeat against Jannik Sinner. The Canadian accused someone behind the scenes of inaccurately pressing a button after he got called for a foot fault.
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