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Andrey Rublev: Russian tennis star's 'NO WAR PLEASE' message wins hearts

'Given the threats a Russian athlete can face from its government, this is what speaking truth to power actually looks like,' one fan remarked

Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev has won people’s hearts online after he displayed a bold message against the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. The moment was captured on TV cameras after Rublev won against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in their semifinal match at the Dubai Championships on Friday, February 25. The 24-year-old sportsman wrote “No War Please” on the camera after securing his place in the finals.

He also said on Thursday, February 24, “In these moments you realize that my match is not important. It's not about my match, how it affects me. What's happening is much more terrible. You realize 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.”

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Rublev’s brave act was shared on Twitter by The Sports Network, which has been viewed more than 13 million times. Praising Rublev, Outkick's Clay Travis tweeted, “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.” A user said, “Need more of this from Russians athletes, celebrities.” “I wonder if @KingJames will tell China the same,” another one added.

A person, however, expressed concern for the player by writing, “Future headline: Russian Tennis Player Andrey Rublev Has Not Been Seen In Months.” Another concerning tweet said, “Tomorrow's news: Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev seeks asylum at [random Western country]'s embassy in Dubai.”

The second user tweeted, “May he stay safe when he goes home, really brave to stand up against your own country.” The third user remarked: “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.”

A tweet read, "Look on his face says it all. He won an important match to go to the finals, a moment he should be excited and happy. Instead his expression is grim and determined because he knows he and his family and friends just went onto lists.” A fan of the player tweeted: “He has humanity, morals, compassion, unlike his leaders.” Another comment added: “this is very brave. I don't think people realize how far these folks are sticking their neck out. thanks again for this great message.”

A user noted: “From this to prominent Russian figures resigning from gov't positions, it's remarkable. Makes me think about the US commentators who made snarky remarks asking 'where are the anti-war Russians?' Imagine if anything like this had happened in the US during Iraq or Afghanistan.” Another user remarked, “You can see the emotion in his face when he writes those words on that lens. The tragedy the Ukraine people are facing.. the innocent lifes lost over what? How is humanity not better than this. After the history we've seen and learned about.” “And btw, Rublev is a STAR Russian athlete, ranked #7 in the world, and a few months back he was in the top FIVE. The world's #ONE player, Daniil Medvedev is also Russian and has ALSO publicly come out against Putin's invasion, pleading for "Peace". God bless these two,” a comment read.