"This is what speaking truth to power actually looks like" - Tennis fans react to Andrey Rublev's 'no war please' gesture in Dubai

Andrey Rublev has garnered a lot of praise following his incredible gesture at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Following his semi-final victory over Hubert Hurkacz, the 24-year-old wrote a message on the camera which read "No War Please" in a call for peace amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In response, several tennis fans took to Twitter to hail the Russian. One fan claimed that it took "true courage" for the World No. 7 to speak out "given the threats" he could face from his government.

"Given the threats a Russian athlete can face from its government, this is what speaking truth to power actually looks like. And this takes true courage," he wrote.

Another fan pointed out that Andrey Rublev was taking a massive risk and lauded the Russian for his bravery.

"He's taking such a risk. I don't think people living in Western democracies appreciate his bravery and the bravery of the Russian people protesting against Putin. Unless you come from those places and can understand," they wrote.

Andrey Rublev wins the Dubai Tennis Championships

Andrey Rublev won the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday by beating Jiri Vesely 6-3, 6-4 in the final. This was the Russian's 10th ATP singles title and his second this year.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, the Russian admitted that he was tired but "super happy". He was also full of praise for Vesely, who had beaten Novak Djokovic among other big names on his way to the final.

"I feel super happy even though I am tired," Rublev said. "I was lucky today, and that’s why I am happy to be the champion, I didn’t expect this. It’s an amazing feeling and I don’t know what to say.”

"I think it is likely Jiri was also tired, he had really tough matches since qualies. He beat top players starting from the first round. [Marin] Cilic, he beat Roberto [Bautista Agut], then he beat Novak [Djokovic], yesterday he beat Shapo [Denis Shapovalov] 7-6 in the third. Trust me, when you beat these kinds of players, it’s almost impossible to stand up and walk, and he was able to play. Good job to him, good job for the week.”

Andrey Rublev has been in fine form lately. The Russian has won 14 out of 16 matches in 2022 and is on an eight-match winning streak. The 24-year-old will next feature at the Indian Wells Masters.

Rublev is on the entry list for the tournament along with several top players, including Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev. Djokovic is also on the entry list, but probably won't be able to compete due to the fact that he is unvaccinated.