‘It was not about that’ – Andrey Rublev details umpire chat after Ukraine flag unfurled at Australian Open

Andrey Rublev has given his account of an incident during his Australian Open second round match against Emil Ruusuvuori, which saw two fans unveil a Ukraine flag in the stands.

Rublev, who is Russian, was targeted due to his country’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, and was seen in deep discussion with the umpire after the flag was unfurled by the spectators in the Kia Arena.

Speaking afterwards, the 25-year-old revealed what was said.

“It was not about the flag,” he said. “I said straightaway to the referee, it’s not about the flag, they can put any flag they want, I understand completely the situation.

“It was more that they started to tell me bad words and bad things. I said to the referee: ‘It’s not about the flag, but please can you tell them at least to not say bad words when I’m on the changeover’.”

Russian and Belarusian flags are banned from this year’s event due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Rublev and other players from the two countries competing under a neutral flag.

Rublev was among several Russian and Belarusian players banned from competing at Wimbledon last summer over the war.

His 6-2 6-4 6-7(2) 6-3 win over Ruusuvuori sees him advance to the third round where he faces Britain’s Dan Evans.

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