Andrey Rublev Defaulted at Dubai Open After Swearing Accusations
Andrey Rublev, the world No 5, was sensationally defaulted after being accused of swearing at a line judge in the deciding set of his semi-final at the Dubai Open.
Rublev's Default at Dubai Open
Andrey Rublev, the world No 5, was sensationally defaulted after being accused of swearing at a line judge in the deciding set of his semi-final at the Dubai Open.
The incident took place when Rublev was trailing 6-5 in the third set against Alexander Bublik. He took out his frustration on a line judge, which led to the ATP supervisor Roland Herfel coming down to the court.
Accompanied by a Russian speaker, Herfel claimed that Rublev had sworn in his native language. However, Rublev protested, insisting that he was speaking in English. Bublik also supported Rublev's statement.
Controversial End to the Match
The offence of swearing at a line judge usually results in a warning, but Rublev, 26, was defaulted by umpire Miriam Bley amidst jeers from the crowd in Dubai. This decision marked a controversial end to the tight match.
Bublik ultimately progressed to the final with a score of 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-5.
Rublev defended himself, saying, "I didn't say 'fucker'. I swear to God. This is huge. I swear to God."
Draper Advances to Semi-Finals in Mexican Open
Meanwhile, in the Mexican Open in Acapulco, Jack Draper cruised into the semi-finals with a victory over Miomir Kecmanovic. Draper, the British No 3, proved dominant on the court against his opponent, who is ranked three places lower at world No 50.
Draper sealed his win by breaking Kecmanovic in the third game of the opening set and continued to dominate throughout the match. He served out to love in the final game, securing his place in the last four in just 80 minutes.
In the semi-finals, Draper will face off against defending champion Alex de Minaur from Australia.
