Rublev beat Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(3) 7-5 at last week’s Moselle Open and pulled out almost immediately. The tournament announced his withdrawal, saying: “During his match, A.Rublev experienced pain, which was confirmed by on-site medical staff who suspected an abdominal injury.
“He chose to withdraw from the tournament and travel to Turin to follow a treatment and recovery protocol, to enhance his chances of competing in the ATP Finals.”
But Sonego, who had already been ousted from the event, wasn’t happy. The Italian claimed Rublev knew he was always going to pull out and even turned up to the match with his suitcases so he could leave.
“There were some lucky losers waiting to get in, and he took the spot from a lucky loser; he took away my chance to move forward in the tournament when he already knew he wasn’t going to play. It wasn’t very fair or respectful toward me,” the world No. 53 told Ubitennis.
Rublev has now responded to his rival’s claims, admitting he was at fault. But he also claimed Djokovic pulled out of the ATP Finals too late, by which time he had no choice but to play his opening match in Metz even if he wanted to leave.
The world No. 9 told Championat: “I understand his emotions, it was probably badly on his part. Everything is relative. I came to this tournament to get to the Finals.
“He understood it, the tournament organisers understood it too. When rumours started that Novak would withdraw, [Casper] Ruud, [Alex] de Minaur and I were waiting for his decision.
“All the tournaments and players knew about it. If he had withdrawn earlier, no one would have played this tournament.
“But Novak withdrew on the day of my match. I decided to play because the spectators bought tickets. I wanted to somehow compensate for this situation with Turin. I am sure that if Sonego were in my place, he would have done the same.”
The eight men who have earned the most ranking points in a single season qualify for the ATP Finals. Djokovic qualified sixth leaving Rublev, Ruud and De Minaur in a three-man race for the last two spots.
They all entered ATP 250 events last week to try and boost their chances but Djokovic announced he would not defend his ATP Finals title on Tuesday, November 5, hours before Rublev’s match against Sonego.
The Russian took to the court and won. Ruud also remained in the Moselle Open draw and played on Wednesday but lost his opening match.
Meanwhile, De Minaur – who entered another event in Belgrade – pulled out of his tournament altogether once his ATP Finals place was confirmed.
