Nick Kyrgios 'worried' for Andrey Rublev after Russian's concerning self-inflicted injury at US Open

A 'worried' Nick Kyrgios expressed concerns over Andrey Rublev hitting himself with his racket during his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov at the 2024 US Open. The Aussie said that he would prefer having the Russian hit his shoes rather than his hands or head.

Seeded sixth, Rublev has been in fine form at Flushing Meadows ousting Thiago Seyboth Wild, Arthur Rinderknech, and 32nd seed Jiri Lehecka to reach the fourth round. On the other hand, ninth seed Grigor Dimitrov, also playing sublime tennis, eliminated Kyrian Jacquet, Rinky Hijikata, and Tallon Griekspoor to reach the last 16.

The Russian's anger, which often causes him to hit himself with his racket sometimes leading to bleeding, has been a huge topic of discussion in the tennis world.

During the first set, with the Bulgarian 3-1 40-40 up on his serve, the World No. 6, Rublev missed a relatively easy forehand which caused him to erupt. He hit his shoes with his racket and then began smashing his left hand, after which he needed treatment during the changeover because of the bleeding.

Nick Kyrgios, who is commentating on the match, expressed concern over Andrey Rublev's anger, saying:

"That's when I get a bit worried. When you start hurting yourself and it hinders your performance. I much prefer when he hits his shoe, not his hand or his head."

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"Mentally, it has been tough times" - Andrey Rublev opened up about his struggle with depression, explained how being burnt out caused him to explode

Andrey Rublev (Image Source: Getty)

Andrey Rublev's frequent outbursts this season have received backlash from fans on many occasions. However, there are many, like Nick Kyrgios, who have expressed their concern for the Russian's well-being.

After his win against Jannik Sinner at the Canadian Open, Rublev opened up about his struggles with depression and said that he had been facing many troubles off the court. He said these troubles left him burnt out, due to which, he exploded this season on the court, alluding to his temper.

"Mentally, it has been tough times; I have been very disorganized. I have been fighting depression for many years, dealing with many problematic issues off the court, and I ended up very burnt out, this season I exploded, especially on the court," Andrey Rublev said.

Dimitrov currently leads the match 6-3, 7-6(3), 1-6.