"Is it because of the image or they have a different opinion? I don't know" - Rublev on why Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer don't speak out on sensitive issues
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have always carried the sport of tennis and promoted it to a broad audience in the right way.
However, the duo have copped criticism for not voicing their opinions and staying silent on certain matters plaguing the game.
Andrey Rublev was asked in an interview with championhat after beating Novak Djokovic in the final of the Belgrade Open about why Federer and Nadal do not speak out on sensitive matters. Rublev said:
"Honestly, I don't know. No guesswork. It's probably better to ask them that question. I don't want to throw too much conjecture to misinform. Is it because of the image or do they have a different opinion? I don't know."
With global outrage over the situation with Peng Shuai in China and calls from people in the tennis world to take steps to ensure her safety, two of the sport's biggest stalwarts remained mostly silent. The two players have similarly not weighed in on Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarussian athletes.
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Congratulations @AndreyRublev97, a pleasure to share the court and have you in Belgrade. Thank you to the entire @SerbiaOpen2022 organization and the fans, family, and players that all made this event so special 😃🇷🇸. See you next year 👍🏼🙌🏼🎾❤️ #SerbiaOpen #NoleFam https://t.co/Q0RLJsVT21
"These are special matches" - Andrey Rublev on defeating each of the Big 3
Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have always been the main subjects of discussion when it comes to who the greatest player of all time is among them.
Having played all three of them in different stages of his and even their careers, Rublev had some insight on what it was like beating them and the importance of such wins as he builds towards the World No. 1 ranking.
"In any case, these are special matches, as they were at different times and at different stages of life. God forbid, then it will be possible to fight against top players and win. It will always be a special feeling, because it is some kind of indicator that perhaps there is potential for improvement, for example, to stand higher in the rankings. Plus, the goals are big: I want to climb higher and higher, try to reach #1 ATP. If you want to become the first in the ranking, you need to be able to beat top players.
"Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic are like machines, but Roger Federer is a bit of an artist." 👨🎨
Ronnie O'Sullivan has compared himself to Federer and Lionel Messi when describing his snooker playing style... 🐐
With Federer and Djokovic tied at 20 Slams and Rafael Nadal just one ahead, the debate as to who will be the greatest player of all time will rage on for several more years, especially as the trio of players continue playing on tour.