Andrey Rublev, the Russian tennis player, has made it clear that he definitely wants to compete at the grass-court Grand Slam of Wimbledon.
The world number 7 admits that he is an athlete and wants to compete on the biggest stage in the world of tennis.
This week, reports from Britain indicated that Russian players should blaspheme against president Vladimir Putin and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or else they could face a ban at Wimbledon.
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“We are athletes. We want to compete and sacrificed so many things. I think sport should be off the political agenda. Everyone said that, but in the end it still didn’t happen. We should be a positive example to take a big step forward,” said Andrey Rublev.
The 24-year-old is currently number 7 in the world and he is determine to climb to an even higher ranking.
“I really love this sport. I enjoy when I travel and enjoyed the training session and also really want to grow. Right now I feel I’m still young and I’m really motivated to improve, to become a better player,” added Rublev.
“Sometimes, I can’t wait for the next tournament.”
The world number 7 has repeatedly called for peace since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.
“What happened was terrible. I feel really bad for everyone. That’s why sport has to set an example, we have to unite, we have to be outside of politics, to set an example at least in this sport. I think it will be a positive message for a better world,” Rublev commented at the time.
Meanwhile, the tennis player who has won two titles this season (Marseille and Dubai). Last competed at the BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells. She had not dropped a set en route to the semifinals before losing to home tennis player Taylor Fritz in straight sets.
With the loss, the world number 7 is still unable to solve the puzzle of the Masters 1000 tournament. He may have won several ATP level 500 tournament titles, but the goddess of fortune has not been on his side to win the first Masters 1000 title of his career.
