The aftermath of Andrey Rublev's dramatic disqualification from the Dubai Open continues, with Nick Kyrgios adding his voice to the debate surrounding a story that has shaken the tennis world.
Rublev was disqualified after allegedly swearing at a line judge during the deciding set of his semi-final match at the Dubai Open. He maintained his innocence, sparking a significant debate within the global sporting community.
The fiery Russian was trailing 6-5 in the third set against Alexander Bublik when he was heard saying something to the line judge.
ATP supervisor Roland Herfel came onto the court accompanied by a Russian speaker, who claimed Rublev had used profanity in his native language.
Rublev protested, insisting that he was speaking in English, a sentiment supported by Bublik.
Normally, such an offence would warrant a warning in the first instance, but the 26-year-old was disqualified by umpire Miriam Bley amidst disapproval from the crowd in Dubai.
It marked a controversial end to a closely contested match, with Kazakhstan's Bublik advancing to the final with a score of 6-7 (4) 7-6 (5) 6-5.
As a consequence of his actions, Rublev is expected to forfeit all prize money and ranking points from the tournament. Australian player Kyrgios expressed sympathy for the Russian in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
"Class from Bublik, saying he wanted to continue. Respect. Feel for Rublev. Did not warrant a default," the Aussie wrote on X.
Kyrgios had previously offered to assist Rublev with his on-court anger management, despite acknowledging that some might find it surprising for one of the game's most temperamental players to offer emotional support.
“I think he’s just got to be a bit nicer to himself,” said Kygios last year. “I’ve said over and over again that he’s had a great season, won Monte Carlo. You look at all the past champions that won Monte Carlo, it’s an amazing accomplishment.
“So he went 0-3 against some pretty tough opponents (at the ATP Finals) but I don’t think he should go home super disappointed.
“I think he’s made three quarter-finals this year in the Grand Slams so I think moving into Australia he’s got to be in a good mindset moving forward.
“I mean, I’ll come fly to wherever he is and try to help him out mentally. I think I’ve got that down.”