DUBAI: Andrey Rublev has urged the ATP Tour to reconsider the rule that resulted in his disqualification at the Dubai Tennis Championships last week.
The chair umpire defaulted Rublev following an accusation from a Russian-speaking official that he had used inappropriate language while disputing a call with a line judge during his semi-final match against Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan.
Rublev vehemently denied the allegation and requested that officials review video footage of the incident, a plea that was denied.
At the time of the default, Bublik was leading 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-5. However, Rublev successfully appealed the decision later on and will maintain his world number five ranking, albeit facing a fine of $36,400 for a code violation.
Expressing gratitude to the appeals committee on Instagram, Rublev stressed the necessity for a review of the rules. “I hope that moving forward, the ATP will thoroughly reconsider this rule and enact amendments, ensuring that match outcomes cannot be influenced by officials without concrete evidence and without affording players the opportunity for a video review,” he stated.
Reuters has reached out to the ATP for their response.
Rublev concluded by expressing his appreciation for the support he received during the ordeal, stating, “Although I’m disappointed that I couldn’t complete my semi-final in Dubai, I am thankful for the overwhelming support I’ve received from all of you over the past two days; I’ve received numerous messages.”
