Rublev’s self-destructive behaviour continues in loss to Comesana at Wimbledon

We’ve seen it time and time again: Andrey Rublev letting his emotions get the better of him.

Today at Wimbledon, as the world No 6 fell in first-round action to world No 122 Francisco Comesana, that was the case once more. The 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6(5) defeat marks Rublev’s first ever first-round loss at Wimbledon and Comesana’s first ATP win, and first win at a major.

It was a magical moment for the Mar del Plata native, who was playing in his second grass-court match, at any level.

It also marks another low point in self-destructive behavior for the Russian, whose violent reaction to his frustration in the third set gained a lot of traction on X on Tuesday. We must keep in mind: this is a man who was disqualified from his semi-final in Dubai in February, for unsportsmanlike conduct.

In the Dubai aftermath Rublev, one of the nicest, and most likeable ATP players when he’s off the court, promised to be better on it.

In his defence Rublev told reporters that he hit himself so that he would not do any damage to the Wimbledon grass.

“I would not [hit myself] if I was able to hit the racquet on the floor,” he said. “Because we’re not allowed to hit them with the grass. I don’t know why in that moment, I couldn’t take it any more. I needed to let emotions out.”

Today he admitted that he still needs to work on himself.

“This is not the way,” he said. “Of course, it’s the main priority, to be able during all the match to be positive.”

Worst loss at a major for Rublev

26-year-old Rublev has now lost in the first round at a major on six occasions, and his loss is the gain of Comesana, who becomes the lowest-ranked player to ever defeat Rublev at the majors.

Unprecedented for Comesana

The Argentinian, one of seven men to make their Grand Slam main draw debut this year at Wimbledon, had lost in the first round at all three Tour-level events he had previously contested, but he was up to the task in his first ever match against a top 10 player.

He broke serve four times from five opportunities, and cracked 46 winners to 39 for Rublev. He will face Australia’s Adam Walton in round two.

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