Andrey Rublev was visibly unimpressed with the strange prize he received after losing to Daniil Medvedev in the Hangzhou Open final. The two Russian players went up against each other to decide the winner of the ATP 250 event, with Medvedev coming out on top. He secured a routine 7-5 6-4 victory over his compatriot to get his hands on the trophy and bank just under £120,000 in prize money.
Consolation prize draws attention
Rublev, meanwhile, landed a consolation prize of £69,410, but that wasn't the only thing he received. Immediately after the final, he was handed a tennis-themed plushie and was made to pose with it in front of the assembled press. Clearly still reeling from the comprehensive manner of his defeat, Rublev looked like a broken man as he stood next to a beaming tournament official.
His thousand-yard stare while holding the colourful plushie in front of him was a sight to behold and quickly caught the attention of social media. On X (formerly Twitter), @BagAddictHQ wrote: "This is the most 'f*** this' expression I’ve seen on Rublev lately," while @PandemicPetey added: "You know he’s launching that off the balcony later."
Social media reacts
@LL34374998 said: "I do not understand the plushie thing at all. What grown person wants to smile with that after losing an important match?" @realitybites555, meanwhile, commented: "The humiliation ritual of second place. I’m happy [Medvedev] won but a picture of him angry and holding a stuffed animal would have been hysterical."
In spite of his obvious disappointment, Rublev managed to stay classy when addressing his close friend Medvedev in his runner-up speech. He said: "I don’t know what to say, because after so many years we’ve said so many things to each other, so I don’t know what else to say. I just want to congratulate you, say hi to you and your family. I hope we will have many more memories over the years and in the future. Congrats again for the title and good luck for the rest of the season."
Medvedev reflects on victory
Medvedev, meanwhile, reflected: "There is always a tiny bit more on the line. I think I handled it well. I played good in the important moments and I’m really happy with my level. I think the same. I’m really happy to see you in the final. Sorry that I served good today, but hopefully we can finish the season strong."
Medvedev's speech prompted a chuckle from Rublev and the pair embraced on several occasions during the post-match formalities.
