Rublyov requires anger management due to an outburst, leading to his expulsion
Andrey Rublev, renowned for his temper, has a meltdown in the round of 16 at the US Open. The sixth-ranked Russian, 26, suffers a 3-6, 6-7 (3-7), 6-1, 6-3, 3-6 defeat at the hands of Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, missing out on his fifth Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance in New York.
In a fit of rage, Rublev smashes a ball into the net, then lashes out by hitting his foot with his racket at 1-3 in the first set. He continues to vent, whacking his left hand six times with the racket strings. Medical attention is provided during a break, but it seems to have little impact. Despite losing the first two sets, Rublev shows resilience, but ultimately succumbs in the final set.
Throughout his career, Rublev has reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament ten times, but fallen short of the semifinals. His temper is well-known; this season, he was disqualified from the ATP tournament in Dubai for berating an umpire.
Tiafoe interrupts Popyrin's streak
Alexei Popyrin's progression comes to an end: Frances Tiafoe halts the surge of Novak Djokovic's conqueror and advances to the quarterfinals. The American scores a 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3 victory over the Australian and enters the top eight at the US Open for the third time.
Tiafoe will now face Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov. "Dreaming about playing on this court since I was a kid," the 26-year-old reminisced during his post-match interview in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis arena worldwide. Popyrin lost the second set to Tiafoe despite an advantage of 5-3 with a 40-0 lead on serve, and despite winning the third set.
"Gave it my all"
Coco Gauff, the US hope and crowd favorite, exits in the round of 16 as well. The 20-year-old falls to her American compatriot Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 3-6 in a less-than-stellar performance, ending her dream of repeating her home championship win. She departed the court in tears. "I fought really hard today. I played well, just not good enough on my serve," Gauff lamented, having committed 19 double faults: "I gave it my all mentally and emotionally."
The world number three Gauff triumphantly claimed her first major title at Flushing Meadows last year, but this year she failed to reach her peak performance. Gauff had previously lost to Navarro in the round of 16 at Wimbledon. "Unbelievable. I've gone out in the first round here in the last two years. This is my hometown," said world number 12 Navarro, who will now face Spanish player Paula Badosa: "Coco is an incredible player. She'll be back and win this again."
Despite his temper tantrums and multiple Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances, Andrey Rublev struggles to advance further, as demonstrated by his defeat in the round of 16 due to sports-related frustration.
Coco Gauff, a star in American sports, presents a resilient performance despite her defeat in the round of 16, acknowledging her efforts and expressing disappointment with her serve during the match.
