By Martyn Herman
London: Russian Andrey Rublev thanked the Centre Court crowd for their noisy support during his failed bid to knock defending champion Novak Djokovic out of Wimbledon on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST).
Seventh seed Rublev, like the other Russian and Belarusian players in the draw, was banned last year by Wimbledon after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Rublev, who expressed his dismay about his country’s action shortly after the invasion when he wrote “No War Please” on a camera lens at the Dubai Open, said he was taken aback by the support from the Wimbledon fans.
“Last year I was set not to play one of the best tournaments in our sport,” the 25-year-old, whose inspired performance had fans on their feet during his 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 loss in a high-quality quarter-final, told reporters.
“But being here this year, I felt grateful. I felt really great support during these two weeks. Today, as well. Is like I was saying, to be from the country where I am, to have this support, it’s special.
“I don’t know, I feel sometimes I don’t deserve it or something like that. I don’t know what you need to do to have this support. I’m really grateful for this.”
Novak Djokovic and Andrey Rublev embrace after their Wimbledon quarter-final.Credit: AP
Asked if Russian players felt a sense of guilt over Vladimir Putin’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine, Rublev said: “It’s not guilty. It’s more just the situation is terrible.
“Of course, you don’t wish this on anyone. You want these terrible things to be able to finish as fast as possible for all the people in the world to have a chance to have a good life.”
Players from Russian and Belarus, which was used as a staging post for Moscow’s invasion, were allowed back at Wimbledon this year after the WTA and ATP fined the Lawn Tennis Association for its stance and took away ranking points.
One of the conditions for their return was for players to sign a personal declaration that they do not support the war.
Elina Svitolina celebrates her stunning upset win over Iga Swiatek.Credit: AP
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina dedicated her upset victory over world No.1 Iga Swiatek to the soldiers defending her homeland.
“It’s really unbelievable what they are doing for our country,” she said after the 7-5, 6-7 (7-5), 6-2 win on Centre Court. “I can’t thank them enough for their bravery, for what they are going through. All Ukrainians, we are here to help them to win this war.
“I’m happy I can bring a little happiness to their life. There was many videos also on the internet where the kids are watching on their phones. This really makes my heart melt seeing this.”
She will face Marketa Vondrousova, who beat American fourth seed Jessica Pegula, in the semi-finals.
World No.1 Novak Djokovic is chasing a record-extending eighth Wimbledon crown.Credit: Getty
For Djokovic, another feisty encounter will be in store on Friday when he bids for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and fifth in a row. Standing in his way will be Italian eighth seed Jannik Sinner, who made the final four of a major for the first time when he beat unseeded Russian Roman Safiullin in four sets.
Like Rublev, Sinner will go after the 36-year-old Djokovic with his aggressive game and the Serbian will need no reminding that he trailed Sinner by two sets in last year’s quarter-finals before reeling him in.
“He (Sinner) likes to play on grass. He likes to play on quick surfaces because he likes to be aggressive and take control of the point,” said Djokovic. “From both forehand and backhand, he’s smashing the ball really, really hard.
“He’s a very complete player. Now he’s first time in the semis of Wimbledon. I’m looking forward to that challenge. I’m sure that he’s going to be very, very motivated to win.
“On the other hand, I am, too.”
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