March 24, 2025 – Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev, currently ranked ninth in the world, suffered a disappointing early exit at the Miami Open. The 26-year-old was defeated in the second round by Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs, who pulled off a shocking 7-5, 6-4 victory to claim his first-ever win against a Top 10 opponent.
Rublev, who had high expectations going into the tournament, displayed visible frustration during the match. In a moment of anger, he smashed his racket, accidentally hitting his own foot, which resulted in a code violation warning from the chair umpire. The incident highlighted the emotional intensity of the match as Rublev struggled to find his rhythm.
This latest defeat comes after a rollercoaster start to the 2025 season for Rublev. He began the year on a high note, winning the Qatar Open in Doha, demonstrating his powerful baseline game and resilience. However, just days later, he suffered a surprising first-round exit at the Dubai Championships, losing to French qualifier Quentin Halys in a three-set battle.
Beyond the court, Rublev has been open about his struggles with mental health. In a candid interview earlier this year, he revealed past experiences with depression and self-harm. He admitted that anxiety and stress had taken a toll on his career, but he has been working with a psychologist and leaning on support from fellow athletes to improve his mental well-being.
As Rublev regroups from his Miami Open disappointment, he will be looking to regain momentum for the upcoming clay court season. With his powerful game and determined mindset, fans hope to see him bounce back stronger in the next tournaments.
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