(Dubai) Russian Andrey Rublev pleaded Thursday for “peace” after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying his victory at the Dubai tournament was “not important” given the “terrible” context.
Posted at 10:15 a.m.
“You realize how important it is to have peace in the world, to respect each other no matter what, to be united. It’s about taking care of our Earth and each other. This is the most important thing, “said the world No.7 after his victory over the American Mackenzie McDonald (2-6, 6-3, 6-1), in the quarter-finals in Dubai.
Rublev also published on his Instagram account a drawing of two characters, in the colors of the respective flags of Ukraine and Russia, hugging each other.
The Russian, winner of the ninth trophy of his career last Sunday in Marseille, explained to the press in Dubai how difficult it was to play given the context on the international scene.
“In those moments, you realize that (your) match is not important […] What is happening is much more terrible,” the 24-year-old pointed out.
In Dubai, Rublev will face the Pole Hubert Hurkacz, winner of the Italian Jannik Sinner (6-3, 6-3), for a place in the final.