The tennis world is no stranger to surprises, but Andrey Rublev just dropped one that left fans in utter shock. While injuries and health issues often sideline players for weeks or even months, Rublev is proving he’s built from a different mold. In a candid revelation, the Russian star shared that right after the US Open, he was grappling with some serious health woes. But instead of retreating from the courts like most would, Rublev pushed on. That’s right—despite not feeling his best, he was still out there at the China Open, competing like a hero.

The Russian tennis sensation played his latest campaign at the China Open and advanced to the quarterfinals. However, the run was not easy for him as he underwent major surgery ahead of the tournament, per Telecomasia.net. Rublev revealed that while it was not easy for him to return quickly, he made a speedy recovery despite the adversities.

Speaking about his health woes, Rublev said, “After the US Open, I was preparing for China, and a couple of days before the flight I needed an operation, which, if not done, could have led to amputation. I was lucky that it all became clear in the first three or four hours because, after five or six hours, amputation already occurs. In the end, everything was done in time, and it ended better than expected.” However, he revealed that the situation before the surgery was not motivating enough for him. 

“Before the operation, the prognosis was not very pleasant: that I would have to lie in bed for a month, that I would not be able to do anything. I am glad that I was able to return quickly,” he added.

While Rublev did not reveal why and which part of his body needed the surgery, his ordeal highlights his resilient attitude. Interestingly, this is not the first time when the star player has faced such a situation during the tournaments and has depicted resilience.

Soon after clinching the title at the Madrid Open this year, the Russian star revealed that he was not in the best of health in the tournament. He revealed that he was sick for almost 10 days which was not a normal occurrence for him. He in fact claimed that he needed an anesthetic to play the final. “The feeling was similar to when you broke it, so they put an anaesthetic so I don’t feel it and at least I could play without thinking.”

Rublev has also struggled with temperamental issues this season and has sometimes even injured himself in frustration.

When Andrey Rublev inflicted injuries on himself

Being fit is crucial for the players to overcome challenges on the court. However, Andrey Rublev has been spotted several times engaging in activities that have troubled him immensely and have in fact resulted in hindering the matches. A similar scene was witnessed at the US Open this year.

The Russian player witnessed immense challenge playing against Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round of the tournament. He failed to gain momentum in the first set of the match and was visibly furious, as he hit the tennis racquet with his hands. This act turned out to be scary for Rublev himself as he cut his hand by the strings of the racquet. He was seen in agony after the injury, as he opted for a medical timeout while trailing 4-1 in the set. He was involved in a similar act at Wimbledon where he hit his knee multiple times with his racquet during his match against Argentina’s Francisco Comesana.

However, all that is in the past now. As Rublev overcomes the health issues that he has faced lately, he will be looking to finish the season on a high.