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Nick Kyrgios described Andrey Rublev's 2023 season as "great" and jokingly offered the Russian to help him improve the mental aspect of his game. This year, 26-year-old Rublev won two titles, including his first Masters victory in Monte Carlo.
At the Grand Slam level, Rublev failed to make his first semifinal but he was still very consistent, having reached the quarterfinals in all Slams except the French Open. As a reward for his great season, Rublev also participated at the ATP Finals, where he went 0-3 following the losses to Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev.
Against Zverev, Rublev absolutely lost it when he went down by a set and a break as he bloodied his knee after hitting himself six times with his racket. "He has had a great season. Won Monte Carlo. Look at all the past champions in Monte Carlo.
It's an amazing accomplishment. He went 0-3 against some pretty tough opponents but I don't think he should go home super disappointed. I think he has made three quarterfinals this year in Grand Slams. So I think moving to Australia, he is going to be in a good mindset.
I'll come fly to wherever he is and try to help him mentally, I think I have that down," Kyrgios said on Tennis Channel.
😂 What a season @AndreyRublev97 !! You should be proud! See you down under ☀️ https://t.co/O2I90DZa1p — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) November 18, 2023
Kyrgios on Rublev cutting his own knee
Kyrgios is no stranger to outbursts and meltdowns on the court but even he was shocked to see Rublev violently hitting his knee with his racket.
"I mean, from someone who doesn’t hold their composure pretty well, like myself, this is crazy. I’ve never done that, to be honest. I mean, he needs a knee. He needs to move. I hope he’s all right for his next match.
Let me say that much," Kyrgios said on Tennis Channel of Rublev's outburst earlier this week. Luckily for Rublev, he didn't injure his knee during his stunning meltdown.