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Rublev Waves Off Mid‑match Interview at US Open Mixed Doubles Semifinal

The exchange highlights tensions between players’ need for match focus versus broadcasters’ push for brief on‑court access.

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An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Mirra Andreeva, left, and Andrey Rublev, both from Russia, talk during a mixed doubles semifinal match at the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York
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Overview

  • During the mixed‑doubles semifinal on Wednesday, Andrey Rublev refused an end‑of‑set interview from ESPN analyst Sam Querrey while partner Mirra Andreeva stood nearby and the moment was captured on camera.
  • Rublev and Andreeva went on to lose the match in a 10‑point match tiebreak after holding match points, with Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik advancing and later winning the title.
  • After the loss Rublev walked over to Querrey and apologized on court, and Querrey was heard telling him, “Don’t worry about it,” resolving the incident between the two men.
  • The exchange comes as ESPN and the USTA have trialed brief one‑ or two‑question end‑of‑set interviews in the compressed mixed‑doubles showcase to boost TV access and fan interest.
  • The video has gone viral and drawn divided reaction online, raising questions about whether broadcast-driven on‑court access undermines player concentration even though no formal sanctions or policy changes have been announced.