“Every Time He Starts to Lose…”: Andrey Rublev and Gael Monfils Involved in a Verbal Fight at Cincinnati Open 2021

Under the heat and humidity at the Cincinnati Open 2021, things got heated between Gael Monfils and Andrey Rublev. It was the medical timeout that the Frenchman took, which did not go well with his opponent. However, he then came forward and resolved the situation.

Inarguably, the conditions on the day were as gruesome as they come on a tennis court. It made Monfils sick, and hence, he needed a doctor. What’s interesting about it is that the Frenchman repeatedly mentioned to the chair umpire that he did not want to disturb his opponent. Conversely, Rublev claimed that is what Monfils does when he is losing.

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The heated exchange between Gael Monfils and Andrey Rublev at Cincinnati Open 2021

At the start of the second set, Monfils started to feel the impact of the conditions. On receiving confirmation, the chair umpire called for a doctor on the Grandstand.

“Before my serve, I want to have it if it’s possible because I just don’t want him to be disturbed,” Monfils told the chair umpire. In response, the chair umpire explained, “Gael, it’s always – wait until the changeover, but if at some point, you really need it…”

Subsequently, Monfils reiterated that as he did not want to disturb Rublev, he would take it after or before his service game.

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Before the medical timeout, the former World No.6 hit a stunning winner that ticked the Russian off. “Not feeling well? Look how he runs. Not feeling well… Seven years, the last seven years, every time he starts to lose, something is happening,” Rublev argued.

Out of sheer sportsmanship, the 34-year-old Monfils tried to reconcile with the 23-year-old Rublev. He said, “It’s nothing against you. I am sorry. You know what? I said before, I stop, then for you, I want to play. I am very sorry. But why do you have a problem?”

When told the reason, the Frenchman revealed he had thrown up because of the conditions. Afterward, the two clutched their palms as resolution, and the crowd hurrayed in unison. 

Eventually, the match saw two tight tiebreakers that went in favor of Rublev. As a result, he will now play another Frenchman, Benoit Paire in the quarterfinals.

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Indeed, the next matchup is also a recipe for tennis drama. Let’s see what more is in store at the Cincinnati Open 2021.