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Russia’s Andrey Rublev wrote “no to war” on a camera lens as he joined compatriot Daniil Medvedev in calling for peace.
Rublev beat Hubert Hurkacz 3-6 7-5 7-6 on Friday to progress to the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
After confirming his place in a showdown with either Denis Shapovalov or Jiri Vesely, the 24-year-old world No7 took a pen and scribed “no to war” on the lens of a television camera.
It is not uncommon for players to write messages on camera lenses, but a plea for peace was an emotive move from Rublev.
On Thursday, Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine following weeks of rising political tensions. The conflict escalated further still on Friday, with reports of fighting within the capital city of Kyiv.
Rublev’s actions came after Medvedev – who will succeed Novak Djokovic as world number one next week – said he wanted to “promote peace”.
Medvedev has reached the final four of the Mexican Open in Acapulco.
Rublev had previously expressed his wish for peace in a news conference at the Dubai event.
“In these moments you realise that my match is not important,” Rublev said, with a video clip shared to his official Instagram account.
“It’s not about my match, how it affects me. What’s happening is much more terrible.
“You realise how important it is to have peace in the world and to respect each other no matter what, to be united.
“We should take care of our Earth and of each other. This is the most important thing.”
