The Russian tennis player, Andrey Rublev, number 6 in the ATP, once again appealed for peace after winning the Dubai tournament by beating the Czech Vesely in the final (6-3, 6-4). “Now it’s not about tennis, it’s not about sport, it’s about having peace around the world,” said the 24-year-old Muscovite. A week earlier, in the midst of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Rublev played the doubles tournament in Marseille, teaming up with the Ukrainian Denys Molchanov and they ended up lifting the title.
Andrey Rublev has been very clear in expressing his position after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The tennis player, the second best Russian racket on the circuit, signed the message “Please, no war” to the camera after sealing the ticket to the Dubai final, a tournament that he would be in charge of winning this Sunday. He insisted again with a message advocating peace after his victory. “Now it’s not about tennis, it’s not about sport, it’s about having peace around the world. We need to support each other,” said the Muscovite.
The tennis player appears this Monday in sixth place in the ranking after winning the Dubai tournament and it is his second title this season, as he also won the trophy in Marseille the previous week. There, in the French city, he was twice the winner, since he was also the winner in the doubles draw. An especially significant victory since Rublev decided to participate in the tournament with a Ukrainian tennis player, Denys Molchanov.
RUBLEV ON FIRE! Second victory of the day for Andrey Rublev 💪 The Russian wins the doubles trophy with partner Denys Molchanov after defeating Raven Klaasen & Ben McLachlan 4-6 7-5 10-7👏#O13Provence pic.twitter.com/W9EZdS4cwB
— Open 13 Provence (@Open13) February 20, 2022
The Russian is used to playing doubles tournaments with his compatriots, especially with Karen Khachanov . But on this occasion, in the midst of all the tension between Russia and Ukraine -just a few days before the invasion of Ukrainian territory-, Rublev opted to partner with Molchanov, and thus send a message to the world.
«We are not in politics and sport unites us. When you share a common goal with someone, it is easier to feel united. Sport is an activity that unites people, even if each one cheers on his team or his player. Easy. Peace to all”, said the Russian, who has a special friendship with Molchanov, ten years older, since he helped him a lot in his first years on the circuit.
