Andrey Rublev Laughs Off Hair Compliments at French Open

Andrey Rublev, the professional Russian tennis player competing on the ATP Tour, turned the attention of the French Open press room toward his distinctive long red hair on Friday. Following his third-round victory over Nuno Borges at Roland Garros, the athlete faced questions regarding his signature look. Rather than offering a complex grooming routine, Rublev dismissed the fascination with humor, stating that there is no secret to his appearance. He explained that he simply wakes up with his hair looking that way, attributing his look to luck rather than any special effort or product.

The Russian star recalled a stark contrast in public perception based on his professional standing. He noted that when he was ranked outside the top 10, critics frequently questioned why he did not cut his hair. Some even mocked his appearance, asking if he lacked the money to visit a hair salon or comparing him to a monkey. These comments reflected a period where his hairstyle was viewed negatively by observers who did not see it as fitting for a serious competitor.

However, the narrative shifted dramatically once Rublev reached the top 10 in the rankings. The same individuals who previously criticized his look began praising it, calling him a rock star and complimenting his style. Rublev pointed out that his hair had remained exactly the same throughout his life, emphasizing that the only variable that changed was his on-court results. His humorous delivery of these observations prompted laughter in the press room.

What is confirmed

Confirmed Andrey Rublev is a professional Russian tennis player who competes on the ATP Tour.[6]
Confirmed Andrey Rublev has distinctive long red hair that is frequently commented on by fans and media.[1][2]
Confirmed During a press conference at the French Open after his third‑round win over Nuno Borges, Andrey Rublev was asked about his hair.[1][2]
Confirmed Andrey Rublev said at that press conference that there is no secret to his hair and that he was just lucky, adding that he wakes up and his hair is simply like that.[1][2]
Confirmed Andrey Rublev stated that he takes care of his hair but does not do anything special to it.[2]
Confirmed Andrey Rublev said that when he was outside the top 10 people criticized his hair and asked why he did not cut it and whether he had money to go to a hair salon.[2]
Confirmed Andrey Rublev said that after he reached the top 10 the same people started praising his hair, calling him a rock star and complimenting his style.[2]
Confirmed Andrey Rublev stated that he has had the same hair his whole life and that the only thing that changed was his results.[2]
Confirmed Andrey Rublev’s comments about his hair during that French Open press conference were delivered in a humorous way that prompted laughter in the press room.[2][4]
Reported Some tennis media reports describe Andrey Rublev as having a ‘rock star’ image or aura in part because of his long red hair and recent on‑court success.[1][2][5]
Reported Media coverage of the French Open press conference frames Rublev’s reaction as him playfully or jokingly laughing off the growing fascination and compliments about his hair from fans and journalists.[1][2][4]

Timeline

1997-10-20 — Andrey Rublev was born in Moscow, Russia.
2022-05-24 — Rublev won his first match at the French Open, beating South Korea's Soon-woo Kwon in the opening round.
2026-05-29 — After his third-round win over Nuno Borges at Roland Garros, Rublev was asked about his red hair and said there were no secrets to his look, joking that he had always had the same hair and that only the results had changed the way people saw it.
2026-05-29 — Rublev recalled that when he was outside the top 10, people criticized his hair and even said he looked like a monkey, but later praised the same hairstyle as rock-star style after his ranking and results improved.

Direct quotes

"There is no secret. I think I just got lucky. I wake up in the morning and my hair is like this. Obviously, I take care of it, but I don't do anything special."
— Andrey Rublev, 2026-05-29

"The funny thing is that when I was outside the top 10, everyone was saying: 'Why doesn't he cut his hair? He looks like a monkey. Doesn't he have money to go to a hair salon?'"
— Andrey Rublev, 2026-05-29

"And suddenly, you reach the top 10, and the same people say: 'What hair he has, what style, he looks like a rock star.'"
— Andrey Rublev, 2026-05-29

"I have had the exact same hair my whole life. The only thing that changed was the results."
— Andrey Rublev, 2026-05-29

Related people

FAQ

What did Andrey Rublev say about his hair care routine?

Rublev stated there is no secret to his look, claiming he was just lucky. He explained that he wakes up and his hair is simply like that. While he admitted to taking care of his hair, he emphasized that he does not do anything special to maintain it. He attributed his distinctive appearance to natural fortune rather than a complex regimen or professional styling efforts.

How did people's opinions of Rublev's hair change over time?

When Rublev was outside the top 10, critics asked why he did not cut his hair and mocked his appearance, even comparing him to a monkey. Some questioned if he had money for a hair salon. After reaching the top 10, the same people praised his style, calling him a rock star. Rublev noted that his hair remained identical; only his results changed, altering public perception from criticism to admiration.

What context surrounded Rublev's comments about his hair?

The comments were made during a press conference at the French Open on May 29, 2026, following his third-round win over Nuno Borges. Rublev delivered his remarks in a humorous manner, which prompted laughter from the press room. He used the opportunity to reflect on how his ranking influenced media and fan reactions to his long red hair, joking about the shift from mockery to praise.