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NEW YORK—Andrey Rublev isn’t here to judge. After witnessing longtime friend Daniil Medvedev’s dramatic first-round meltdown at the US Open, the Russian offered his support for the 2021 champion.

“I'm not the good example that can say something, because the way I behave a lot of times is not a good example as well,” Rublev told small group of press on Tuesday.

Medvedev, the No. 13 seed, made headlines during a chaotic five-set loss to France’s Benjamin Bonzi in the early hours of Monday morning. The former world No. 1 erupted at chair umpire Greg Allensworth after a controversial call on match point in the third set—Bonzi was granted a replay of his first serve after a photographer mistakenly walked onto the court between serves.

👉 Read More: Daniil Medvedev incensed with US Open umpire's decision after photographer comes onto court during match point

The delay spiraled into a nearly seven-minute tirade, with Medvedev calling on the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd to boo the umpire. He used their energy to rally back from the brink, winning the third and fourth sets, but ultimately fell 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4.

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The tennis world woke up to footage of Medvedev’s viral outburst—and plenty of hot takes. Rublev, who had a front-row seat to similar fan and media scrutiny after his own outbursts, kept his comments measured but sympathetic.

“How can I judge someone when I'm behaving sometimes the same way?” Rublev said. “And how can I judge someone who was No. 1 in the world and a Grand Slam champion?”

👉 Read More: Taylor Fritz had takes on the photographer who interrupted Daniil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi

Rublev knows the feeling all too well. At the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters final, he lost his composure during a third-set tiebreak against Hubert Hurkacz after a photographer disrupted a crucial point. Rublev lashed out—and was warned by the chair umpire—before going on to lose the match.

As for Medvedev, hefty fines are likely incoming, though nothing has been officially announced yet. His verbal barrage included accusations about the umpire’s integrity—the kind of criticism that doesn’t come cheap at a Grand Slam.

Still, Rublev didn’t have any advice—only support—for his good friend. Rublev, the godfather to Medvedev’s oldest daughter, Alisa, said he counts himself among his countryman’s support system.

“It’s his life,” Rublev said. “If he wants to change and he needs help, he have me, he have a lot of other friends. He have family that will help him… This is his life, and his decisions that he needs to do.

“He’s obviously a really nice guy and he’s super fun. The rest is only him. Only he knows what’s happening.”

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How can I judge someone when I'm behaving sometimes the same way? ..Only he knows what’s happening.

Off the court, Rublev has been on his own path of personal growth and working to leave his own concerning on-court meltdowns behind him. The 26-year-old has been working with a psychologist, using breathing techniques during changeovers, and leaning on conversations with coach Marat Safin, a former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion.

But for Rublev, the goal isn’t just better behavior or performance—it’s peace of mind.

“I’m trying to change, but not because I want to change my behavior—I just want to be happy, man, and enjoy the life,” Rublev said. “I’m doing this not because I want to behave good, or bad, or something… I just want to feel good with myself and enjoy every day. That’s why I’m trying to change.”

His refreshed mindset appears to be paying off. Rublev arrived at Flushing Meadows with momentum, having reached the quarterfinals in both Toronto and Cincinnati. He’ll face American wild card Tristan Boyer in the second round, after Boyer advanced with a straight-sets win over James Duckworth.