Andrey Rublev said his decision to write a message calling for peace at the ATP Finals wasn’t planned but he felt it was the right thing to do.
Just moments after his marathon three-set win over former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, the world No.7 wrote ‘Peace, Peace, Peace, All we need’ on the camera lens. The message was in reference to the war in Ukraine which began on February 24th after Russia launched ‘a special military operation’ on its neighbour. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has verified at least 16,631 civilian casualties in the country, including 6,557 deaths as of November 13th.
“Not much to say. I think I did already many statement this year,” said Rublev, who also made a similar gesture during the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.
“I don’t know, I had an opportunity. I did what I feel. I didn’t even had an idea or something in my head before, just came natural, that’s it.
“I think it’s important, especially in our time, like I was saying many times, to have peace. We have internet. We have easy life. We can fly, travel, do sports, take care of the family. No one wants to suffer or struggle.
“I think it was already many, many years ago. I don’t think that we need to. Many countries are suffering, and that’s it. That’s why I think it’s important to be together and have peace.”
In Rublev’s native Russia, the government has made it a criminal offence to spread what it describes as ‘fake news’ about the conflict and the media are not allowed to describe it as a war. According to a report from Russian state media earlier this week, President Vladimir Putin has also introduced legislation which allows authorities to revoke the passports of Citizens who oppose the war.
Asked if he had any concerns about speaking publicly about the situation in Ukraine, Rublev said he did what he felt was right.
“I don’t know. I mean, like I said, I did what I feel. During the year I think I did many statements already,” he continued.
“There is not much I can say something new. I think I did already many statements, very clear.
“Today I did what I feel. I don’t know. It comes natural. I don’t know. Both of us from the same country. I don’t know, just feel this way, and that’s it.”
As a result of the Russian invasion, players from the country and Belarus are only allowed to play on the Tour as neutral athletes. Belarus is accused of supporting Russia’s actions. At this year’s Wimbledon Championships they were banned from participating, as well as other Tour events held in Great Britain. The countries are also suspended from participating in team events.
At the ATP Finals, Rublev will play Novak Djokovic in his second match on Wednesday.
