"Don't think it's that surprising, people like Alexander Zverev have many faces" - Fans react to Andrey Rublev getting Italian Open champ's autograph

Tennis fans recently reacted to Andrey Rublev getting Alexander Zverev's autograph after the latter won the 2024 Italian Open. The German defeated Nicolas Jarry in the final to claim the title in Rome.

Zverev defeated Jarry 6-4, 7-5 at the Foro Italico to win his second Italian Open title and his sixth ATP Masters 1000 title. This was his first Masters 1000 title since sustaining a severe ankle injury during the semifinals of the 2022 French Open.

The German's previous Masters 1000 title came in 2021 at the Cincinnati Masters, where he defeated Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-3 in the final.

Following Alexander Zverev's victory over Nicolas Jarry, Rublev shared a video of him getting an autograph from the former World No.2.

However, this gesture sparked controversy among tennis fans, who were dismayed by Rublev's friendly interaction with Zverev, given the serious allegations of domestic violence made against him by two former partners.

Fans took to social media to express their outrage and disappointment and also shared their opinions on the same.

One fan stated that Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev's friendship was unsurprising, attributing it to their childhood connection. The fan implied that individuals like Zverev, who have "many faces", often conceal it from close friends like Rublev.

"I don't think it's that surprising they're friends. Aside from being childhood friends, people like DVerev most likely treat different people different. People like him have many faces," a fan posted on Reddit.

Comment byu/No_Art_754 from discussion intennis

"People like him have many faces. I'd say the same about Rublev tbh," a fan posted.

Another fan called for the ATP to suspend any player facing allegations of domestic violence and awaiting court trial.

"This is why the ATP needs to do something like a suspension when a player has serious allegations in an upcoming trial, it can affect the reputation of other players- like so. ATP isn’t motivated by morals but by money and reputation, they’re just letting this controversy spiral," a fan posted.

Many fans criticized Andrey Rublev's decision to seek Zverev's autograph, labeling it as "disgusting".

"This is disgusting, but this is far from the first time, and he’s made it clear he’s staying friends with the abuser and standing by his side so… at some point you have to realise this is who he is, and you’re gonna keep getting ‘content’ like this in perpetuity," a fan wrote.

"Disgusting," a fan posted.

One fan expressed their belief that athletes often turn a blind eye to the personal misconduct of their peers.

"Also most pro athletes tend to not give a sh*t when another one does something horrendous in their personal life. I mean look at Deshaun Watson. They probably just think that the accusers are just "gold diggers" and shit," a fan posted.

Comment byu/No_Art_754 from discussion intennis

Alexander Zverev on winning the Italian Open title for the second time: "It proves me that I can win these kind of tournaments again"

Alexander Zverev at Internazionali BNL D'Italia 2024

During the post-match press conference following his win over Nicolas Jarry in the final of the 2024 Italian Open, Alexander Zverev reflected on his two wins in Rome. He described his first win in 2017, where he defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, as "special." He stated that playing in that tournament was "exciting" for him as he was young, fearless, and full of confidence.

"Very different because obviously the first one is extremely special always. But in a way, when I was young, I was extremely confident. I was thinking, Okay, it's going to come at some point. After the injury, I was not sure whether it's going to come or not," Alexander Zverev said.

The German then said that winning the tournament for the second time held its own significance, as it made him realize that he could win the tournament again.

"This one is special in its own way because it proves me that I can win these kind of tournaments again. I'm at the level where I want to be. Moving forward, I can dream again. This is what this week brings me," he added.

Looking ahead, Alexander Zverev is next scheduled to compete at the 2024 French Open. Last year, he reached the semifinals at Roland Garros before falling to eventual runner-up Casper Ruud 3-6, 4-6, 0-6.