Andrey Rublev has been banned from the semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships for unsportsmanlike conduct after shouting at a line judge in the final set of a tense encounter against Alexander Bublik.

However, Australian tennis firebrand Nick Kyrgios has defended his Russian rival and said he should never be at fault.

In a chaotic match in which both competitors were furious with the referees at various points, Rublev was found at fault by the chair umpire after Russian-speaking chair umpire Miriam Bley accused him of using obscenity while shouting at the line judge.

Bublik tried to convince Bley and ATP supervisor Roland Herfel to continue playing, but the call was made and the match was over.

He was at fault and kicked out of the match after the Russian-speaking chair umpire said he had used Russian obscenity

Herfelt asked the line referee: Did he say ‘f***ing idiot’?

Rublev intervened: I didn’t say ‘f***ing’. What do you mean by ‘damn’? I did not say that! It’s a huge lie! I swear – I didn’t say that.’

A confused Bublik, who clawed back from a set to lead 6-7(7/4), 7-6(7/5), 6-5, was awarded the win despite saying he would like to continue wanted to go. the match.

Kyrgios, who has played just one competitive tennis match since the 2022 Wimbledon final while battling injuries, cheered Bublik on social media platform X but also defended Rublev.

‘Lesson from Bublik, in which he said he wanted to move on. Respect. Feel for Rublev. It did not justify default,” Kyrgios said.

A disappointed Rublev congratulates Bublik after being eliminated in Dubai

Kyrgios has spent more time commentating on tennis than playing it since the 2022 Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic

Many of Kyrgios’ followers disagreed, saying the punishment fit the crime.

“Serena [Williams] has defaulted for less or something like that, so why wouldn’t Rublev do that?’ one follower asked.

“Nick… shouting at a distance from someone’s face is not okay… it doesn’t matter what he said. You just can’t do that in society,” another added.

Another follower agreed, writing, “To be honest, YOU have said and done far worse and have never been at fault.”

Bublik was confused by the result and regretted the way it ended for his rival.

“I highly doubt Andrey said anything crazy. He’s not that kind of person. But I guess those are the rules. That’s what they did, they just followed procedure,” Bublik told reporters.

‘There’s not much to say. With all due respect, it was a great match and we both deserved to win.

“I wish Andrey gets back on track as soon as possible.”

Nick Kyrgios has been humbled by a vote of confidence from new Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, who told the injured Australian ace that he too can still join the Grand Slam singles-winning club.

Sinner took time out after his breakthrough performance in Melbourne on Sunday evening to tell the injured Kyrgios, who spent his enforced absence as a Eurosport TV commentator at the Open, that the sport needed him back on the court.

But Kyrgios knows how difficult any comeback will be as he suggested the 22-year-old champion will now prove 'unstoppable' after his extraordinary five-set comeback win over Daniil Medvedev.

The pair had a friendly conversation on camera when Kyrgios asked if Sinner could coach him – free of charge – in winning a slam.

The Australian expressed a lot of frustration when he last played against Sinner at the 2022 Miami Open (pictured)

But after laughing with “maybe I'll do it for free,” Sinner turned serious and gave an unsolicited hello to his Australian friend.

“I think, what's for sure, is that everyone misses you,” Sinner told Kyrgios.

'You're one of those players you don't see very often. Your style of play, your way of behaving on the pitch and things like that, you guys are different, aren't you? And we need these kind of players.

'So I hope you come back, I miss you. It was a great emotion to see you again after my second round match, so I hope to see you again as soon as possible.

“And you're also a potential Grand Slam champion, and I think you know that, so keep up the good work.”

Kyrgios made it to the Wimbledon final in 2022 (pictured), but has played just one match since then due to a shocking series of injuries

Kyrgios seemed surprised and a little emotional by the unexpected tribute.

'It gives you insight into how he is doing. He just won the biggest title of his life and he's very humble, a super nice guy. He just shows incredible maturity,” said the 2022 Wimbledon finalist.

'And you can already see that he has set his sights on something else. He wants to keep achieving these great things and pursue even more slams – he's not satisfied.

'I could tell from him that he is ready to continue and that he will be there for a long time.

'I think we will see him win many more slams in the coming years. Now that he has this, he's just unstoppable.”

Nick Kyrgios made an impressive start to his Eurosport commentary gig, with fans hooked on the Australian's every word as Novak Djokovic took on Dino Prizmic.

Kyrgios took to the Rod Laver Arena booth on Sunday night to share his insights as Djokovic went to defend his Australian Open title in Melbourne.

The 28-year-old, who is out of the tournament due to injury, explained exactly what it feels like to face the all-conquering world number 1 after being defeated by Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final.

And while Kyrgios' on-pitch antics have been divisive over the years, fans were uproarious with praise during the Canberra-born star's comments on Sunday.

Kyrgios joked about his latest defeat in London, acknowledged his feud with Boris Becker and revealed how he would try to get into Djokovic's head this tournament.

The 28-year-old was in the commentary booth for Novak Djokovic's first-round match

'I don't think the wrist is a big problem, but [I would try to seek] some advantage as a player,” he said of Djokovic's wrist problems before the tournament.

“If I know his wrist is sore, when I change the ends I'm going to ask him, 'How's that wrist?' if he misses a ball, something like that.

'Try to see if I can get into his head, but it's impossible to get into his head. I thought I had done it at Wimbledon when I won the first set. But he is not the greatest of all time for nothing. He's so calm.'

And fans were impressed by Kyrgios' comments.

“Really enjoying Nick Kyrgio's commentary on day 1,” one fan said on Twitter.

“So refreshing to hear honest, unbiased commentary,” another fan wrote. “And there are some interesting conversations too.”

“Nick Lester and Nick Kyrgios are the commentary duo I never knew we needed,” said a third fan. 'Love it.'

Another fan wrote: 'He has a distinctive sounding voice, he speaks with conviction and has the knowledge. Excellent combination for this task.'

Fans can watch Kyrgios on a unique livestream offered by Discovery+ called “In the Booth With Nick Kyrgios.”

Nick Kyrgios has empathized with Rafael Nadal’s injury problems following the tennis star’s Australian Open bombshell on Sunday, but his message has not gone down well with fans.

Nadal, 37, announced he will not participate in this year’s tournament after suffering ‘a small problem’ at this week’s Brisbane International.

This setback is the latest in a series of injuries that have hampered the all-conquering Spaniard throughout his illustrious career. His hip issue in 2023 left his coaches concerned he might not return to the field.

And Kyrgios, who himself had to withdraw from the tournament due to a wrist problem, said he fully understood Nadal’s predicament.

“Feel for Rafa man,” he posted on Twitter. ‘Get better quickly, that was my fear too, coming back a little too early…’

The 28-year-old said on Twitter that he empathizes with the Spaniard

But while some fans wished the pair would meet again on the pitch, others were somewhat unfairly critical of Kyrgios’ message.

“At least think once before comparing yourself to the great Rafael Nadal,” said one fan.

Another added: “Because it’s all about you.”

“Is there anything you’re not going to make about yourself?!” a third fan asked.

“This isn’t about you!” said a fourth troll.

The 28-year-old had a fantastic 2022 season, reaching the Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic and winning the Australian Open doubles with good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Some tennis fans criticized Kyrgios for his message to the Spanish superstar

However, in 2023 he suffered a miserable series of injuries that limited him to only one professional match all year, a straight defeat to China’s Wu Yibing at the Stuttgart Open in June.

The Aussie star was not named in the main draw and confirmed on his newly created OnlyFans account that he will miss the local grand slam due to an ongoing wrist problem.

“Hey guys, Nick Kyrgios here, obviously had a really tough year with injury, had that knee surgery and came back a little early (which set me back a little bit, obviously had some wrist issues),” Kyrgios said.

Kyrgios also cannot play at the Melbourne tournament due to a wrist injury

“So this is a very disappointing time for me, but yes, I will not be able to participate in the 2024 Australian Open.

“Obviously it’s heartbreaking, I’ve had so many great memories there and I just want to get back to playing at the top of my game and doing well, and I just need a little more time.

‘I was so close to winning a grand slam. I want to make sure my body gets the time it needs to come back, so be patient.”

Tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios has been spotted passionately kissing his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi at Sydney airport as he finally returned home in time for Christmas.

Kyrgios, 28, flew in on Tuesday and was clearly happy to celebrate his return home with his long-term partner after a long spell abroad.

The polarizing star – and recent Only Fans convert – also warmly hugged Costeen’s mother Mary Hatzi.

It comes as Kyrgios stated in a recent interview that he feels “more respected” in the US than at home because he feels the expectations Australian sports fans place on their heroes are “weird”.

He also dismissed talk from previous greats like Boris Becker that players of his generation would hold their own in today’s game.

Only fans converted Kyrgios was clearly happy to be back on home soil with his long-term partner after a visit to the US

The polarizing star also warmly hugged Costeen’s mother Mary Hatzi (pictured right)

It comes as Kyrgios stated in a recent interview that he feels ‘more respected’ in the US than in his home country

‘I feel more respected here [in the US],” Kyrgios told The Athletic.

“Australians don’t expect athletes to do anything other than play their sport, and that’s really strange.

‘I definitely see myself coming back at some point and playing at a high level again… last year was intense with the amount of tennis I played, I think this [2023] It was a year to balance it out.”

It comes after Kyrgios played just one match this year, losing to journeyman Wu Yibing in the first round of the Stuttgart Open in June.

He missed all four grand slams due to injury and recently announced he will not take the court ahead of the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

In the same interview, German champion Becker – who won Wimbledon in 1985 as an unseeded 17-year-old – was in Kyrgios’ sights.

“Sometimes it’s hard to watch these old heads breaking down the game for new fans all the time,” he said.

The Canberra-raised star also believes the expectations Australian sports fans place on their heroes are ‘weird’

Kyrgios played only one match this year due to injury, losing in straight sets to journeyman Wu Yibing in the first round of the Stuttgart Open in June

The 28-year-old missed all four Grand Slams due to injury and recently announced he will not take the court ahead of the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park

Kyrgios dismissed claims that players like six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker (pictured) could hold their own in the current match

“It’s like some of the things they say don’t add up. Some of these people make me think, “What are you talking about?”

‘The game was so slow then… ‘I’ve seen Boris Becker and I’m not saying they weren’t good in their day, but to say they would be just as good now is absurd.

‘A large raise then was 197 against 200 [kmh]. People like me serve 220 consistently, right into the corners. It’s a whole different ball game.

‘I’m not saying they wouldn’t have found their way… but serve and volley, to do it all the time now, you have to serve 220… because if you serve anything less than 220, man, [Novak] Djokovic will eat you alive.’

Nick Kyrgios is expected to be at the Australian Open ‘in some form’ as major doubts remain over the enigmatic entertainer’s tennis comeback.

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist remains sidelined with knee and wrist problems and looks unlikely to compete at Melbourne Park for a second year in a row in January.

“The update is day by day with him,” Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said on Monday about Kyrgios’ availability.

“He’s best guess is that… we’ll have Nick here in some form in January.

‘Hopefully it’s to play because he’s a crowd pleaser. We enjoy watching Nick and having him around.”

Kyrgios’ fitness was a major problem due to knee and wrist problems

Kyrgios was a commentator at the ATP Finals in Italy in November, where he said “the stars would have to align” to play in the Open.

In an interview with English broadcaster Piers Morgan last week, the 28-year-old gave no indication that he would be willing to return to the court any time soon.

But Open organizers received a major boost last Friday when Rafael Nadal announced he will make his long-awaited comeback at the Brisbane International in January.

The legendary Spaniard will make his return in the Australian Open warm-up event before taking the court in Melbourne for what could be his farewell Down Under.

The 37-year-old has not played a competitive match since being knocked out in the second round of this year’s Open by American Mackenzie McDonald as he struggled with an injured hip.

“It’s nice to talk to Rafa, that’s why this job is great… what a beautiful person,” Tiley said.

Tennis boss Craig Tiley expects Kyrgios to be at Melbourne Park for the tournament

“He was most concerned about not being ready to play; he didn’t want to commit to playing and let his fans down by subsequently withdrawing.

‘He is healthy, he practices well, he plays the way Rafa plays and goes all the way.

“It took him a while to make the announcement, simply because he wanted to make sure he could come and play.”

Nick Kyrgios revealed on Saturday that he never read late cricket legend Shane Warne’s scathing open letter to him in 2015, during a particularly difficult time in his career.

The tennis champion, 28, appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and told the host, although he never read the letter on Facebook, that he was sure Warne’s view of him would have changed later.

‘I’ve seen it, but not read it. I will never be the first to put someone down on social media,” Kyrgios began.

The Canberra-born star added that he believed Warne would be “proud” to see how far Kyrgios had progressed in the intervening years.

“When I look back on that letter and how far I’ve come, I can say he would certainly be proud. I’ve had a pretty successful career. I feel like I’ve won a lot more than I’ve lost.”

In 2015, Warne posted an open letter to Kyrgios on social media, calling out the then hot-headed tennis player for his fiery behavior off the court.

“Dear Nick, we all realize you’re only 20 and have a lot to learn buddy, but please don’t waste your talent,” Warne wrote.

“Everyone in the world, especially us Australians, wants to respect you. You have to respect the game of tennis and yourself. We all make mistakes.

Warne also added a sting to the second half of the message, perhaps intended as a wake-up call for Kyrgios.

“You’re testing our patience buddy, show us what you’re made of and how hungry you are to be the best in the world. It’s time to step up and start winning, no excuses,” he said.

‘We all make mistakes. It is the way we learn from them and the way we behave when we lose that is a testament to our true character. You’re testing our patience, buddy,” Warne added sternly.

The tennis champion, 28, appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and told the presenter that although he never read Shane Warne’s (pictured) letter on Facebook, he was sure Warne’s view of him would have changed later.

‘I’ve seen it, but not read it. I will never be the first to put someone down on social media,” Kyrgios told Piers Morgan.

Kyrgios, then 20, enjoyed a stellar performance at Wimbledon in 2015, where he defeated Spanish champion Rafael Nadal, but also courted controversy after beating Swiss player Stan Wawrinka with a crude personal attack at a Canadian tournament.

Later, at a press conference shortly after the Wawrinka slide – in which he told his opponent between points that a fellow player had ‘hit’ his girlfriend – he admitted that he still had a lot to learn.

The incident, for which Kyrgios later apologized, had earned him a 28-day ban and a $34,705 fine from the ATP in his second year as a professional.

Fortunately, Kyrgios has since managed to get both his professional and personal lives back on track and is rumored to be planning to have children with his beautiful girlfriend Costeen Hatzi.

The Canberra-born star added that he believed Warne would be “proud” to see how far Kyrgios had progressed in the intervening years.

Fortunately, Kyrgios has since managed to get both his professional and personal lives back on track and is rumored to be planning to have children with his beautiful girlfriend Costeen Hatzi (right)

Nick Kyrgios joked “sometimes my life isn’t real” after rapper Drake slid into his DMs to tell him he was “hurt” by comments made by the tennis superstar almost a decade ago.

But the Australian has squashed his feud with the Canadian sensation after Drake admitted he was his ‘favorite tennis player’.

The feud between the two dates back to 2014, when a young Kyrgios blamed his poor third-round performance at Wimbledon, in which he edged past Czech Jirí Veselý, on Drake’s music.

‘I came out very flat, so hopefully I won’t listen to that again! It was actually Drake. That didn’t work out for me,” Kyrgios said after the match.

Drake responded to the then 19-year-old tennis star’s comments, saying he wanted to “chop him to pieces” after his disrespectful comments.

Drake (L) and Nick Kyrgios (R) have squashed their beef, the tennis star has revealed

Drake said he was “hurt” by Kyrgios’ comments about his music nearly a decade ago

“I also want to meet this guy who says he lost because he listened to my music,” the rapper said. “I also want to meet that guy and look him in the eye and see exactly who he is as a man, measure him up and then chop him up.

“Nick, whatever his name is, because he didn’t win, so that’s how he’ll be remembered: ‘Nick, whatever his name is.’

Kyrgios went on to beat Rafael Nadal in a breakthrough performance that has seen him become one of the most divisive personalities in tennis.

And now the Canberra-born star has revealed that Drake recently contacted him directly to lament the ill will between them and admit Kyrgios is his favorite tennis player.

“When you said I was trash it hurt me because you were honestly my favorite player,” he wrote.

Kyrgios replied: “Haha, I didn’t say you’re trash. I love your music, my brother… I hope you are doing well.”

Drake then wished Kyrgios well, with the Aussie sidelined with yet another injury.

“We will be in touch soon,” he said. “Quick recovery, my man.”