October 30th 2024.
During a second-round match at the 2024 Paris Masters, Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev made headlines for an unexpected reason. In a fit of frustration, he started hitting himself with his own racket, leaving a blood stain on his knee. This isn't the first time Rublev has resorted to self-harm on the court, as he also did so during Wimbledon. However, this time it seemed to have caused more damage as his knee started bleeding.
The incident occurred in the third game of the second set, after Rublev made a mistake and sent a forehand into the net. In a moment of anger, he repeatedly hit his knee with his racket seven times. This was not the only display of frustration from Rublev, as he also threw a water bottle on the ground and angrily told the crowd to be quiet during a break between games.
After the match, many tennis fans expressed concern for Rublev's mental health, with some even suggesting he seek professional help. As the race to qualify for the ATP Finals is heating up, Rublev's frustrations are likely related to the pressure of maintaining his spot in the prestigious tournament. He currently holds the eighth and final qualifying place, but with rivals close behind, he could potentially be overtaken.
In an interview before the Paris Masters, Rublev admitted that he had been constantly checking his opponents' results and analyzing the possible outcomes. This added pressure may have contributed to his outburst on the court. The 26-year-old has had a successful career so far, with 16 titles on the ATP Tour and reaching at least the quarter-finals in all four Grand Slam tournaments.
In 2022, Rublev made international headlines for his actions off the court, when he wrote "no war please" on a camera lens just days after Russia invaded Ukraine. His on-court behavior, such as hitting himself with his racket, has been a recurring theme. However, Rublev insists that he is working on improving himself and controlling his emotions. When asked about the viral video of his self-harm at Wimbledon, he stated that he doesn't watch those types of videos and is focused on the process of self-improvement.
Despite the incident at the Paris Masters, Rublev is determined to compete in this year's ATP Finals. His passion and drive on the court have brought him success, but it seems that it also comes with a cost. As he continues to navigate the challenges of professional tennis, it is clear that Rublev's mental and emotional well-being should not be overlooked.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
