"I mean, he needs a knee": Nick Kyrgios baffled by Andrey Rublev's violent on-court meltdown at the 2023 ATP Finals

Nick Kyrgios expressed his shock at Andrey Rublev's violent on-court outburst at the 2023 ATP Finals.

The World No. 5 qualified for the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals in Turin after a successful season, including winning a Masters title in Monte-Carlo and reaching the final of the Shanghai Masters last month. However, this did not translate to a successful run at the season-ending championship, as Rublev lost in straight sets against Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz.

In his second tie against Alcaraz, the Russian could be seen spiraling emotionally as the Spaniard moved ahead, with Rublev even hitting his racket off his knee repeatedly, causing it to bleed. Ultimately, he was unable to get back into the match and Alcaraz secured the tie 7-5, 6-2, making it impossible for Rublev to advance to the semi-finals.

Another player who is known for his emotional outbursts on the court is 2022 Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios. The Australian player has been absent for the majority of the season due to injury but is present at the ATP Finals as a commentator for Tennis Channel. Kyrgios weighed in on Rublev's behavior, saying that even he was shocked by it.

"I mean, from someone who doesn’t hold their composure pretty well, like myself, this is crazy. I’ve never done that, to be honest. I mean, he needs a knee. He needs to move. I hope he’s all right for his next match. Let me say that much," the 28-year-old said.

Kyrgios has been no stranger to on-court antics over the years, having been fined and even suspended for throwing chairs, smashing rackets, insulting his opponents, and verbally abusing umpires. He was set to return to the sport at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown exhibition tournament in Seoul next month but he has delayed his comeback due to continued issues with injury.

Rublev will compete once more at the ATP Finals, facing Alexander Zverev in his last group-stage tie. After his loss to Alcaraz, he opened up on his emotions: "If you don’t like to lose, doesn't matter who is the opponent. You feel disappointed, especially now when you understand that the season is over and that’s it basically," he said.