Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Andrey Rublev Prediction | H2H | Stats: Rotterdam Open Semifinals

Tsitsipas vs Rublev Preview:

It is a mouth-watering clash between two highly-talented youngsters as the second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas locks horns against the fourth seed Andrey Rublev in the semifinals of the Rotterdam Open. 

Tsitsipas edged past Russian, Karen Khachanov in three sets in the quarterfinals. Trailing by 6-4, the Greek won the second set 6-3 to take the match into a decider. Khachanov raced 3-1 in the third set but Tsitsipas won 6 out of the next 8 games to clinch the clash. 

The Greek smashed 5 aces, won 62% of points on his first serve, and also converted 5 out of 9 breakpoints. 

On the other hand, Rublev too battled hard in the quarters to beat Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in three sets. Chardy who entered the main draw of the tournament through qualifying notched up impressive wins against compatriot, Ugo Humbert and the sixth seed David Goffin. He also saved two match points in the second set to take the match to the third set.

Rublev's big-serving capabilities saved him from dangerous situations against Chardy as he fired 15 aces, did not commit a single double fault and claimed 72% of points on his first serve. The Russian smashed a whopping 44 winners in the match. 

Key Insights

• Rublev is on an 18-match winning streak in ATP 500 tournaments.
• After legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray, Rublev is the fourth player to win 18 or more consecutive matches on the ATP Tour since 2009.
• A win for Tsitsipas will take him closer to a sixth career singles title and first title since the Montpellier Open triumph in February 2020.
• Tsitsipas lost in the pre-quarterfinals in the Rotterdam Open last year to Aljaz Bedene in straight sets.
• Rublev was defeated by Filip Krajinovic in the quarterfinals of the Rotterdam Open 2020.
• Rublev will aim to reach his first final of 2021 after winning five titles in 2020 (5-0 perfect record in finals).
• Tsitsipas has a 9-1 win-loss record this season.
• Tsitsipas will move to the 5th rank next week overtaking Federer.

Tsitsipas vs Rublev Head to Head record

Tsitsipas leads the head-to-head record 3-2 against Rublev. The players met for the first time in the 2018 Next Gen ATP Finals in the semis which Tsitsipas won in 5 sets. 

Game Analysis

Tsitsipas will mainly depend on his strong backhand return and inside-in forehand to do the job. The Greek can get a lot of winners by whacking short balls. 

Rublev has to attack the weak second serve of Tsitsipas. The Russian must avoid drawing Tsitsipas into the net as the Greek can claim points easily by introducing deft touches into rallies. He should play his hard-hitting game from the baseline aggressively and extract unforced errors from Tsitsipas. 

Rublev got revenge for the loss by beating him back-to-back in the US Open 2019 first round in 4 sets and the Hamburg Open finals 2020 in 3 sets. Tsitsipas won the next two clashes, French Open 2020 quarterfinals in straight sets followed by a narrow 3-set win against Rublev in the Nitto ATP Finals 2020. 

“I will try to do as much as I can to be ready for tomorrow, Stefanos also had two tough matches this week, yesterday he had three sets (against Hubert Hurkacz) and today he had three sets (versus Khachanov), it is not easy," opined Rublev getting set ahead of the big encounter.

Statistical comparison of Tsitsipas and Rublev in this tournament

Tsitsipas has thrived in pressure situations this week in Rotterdam with his smart match awareness and intelligent point construction. Rublev has struggled to utilize crucial opportunities as evident in his difficulty in closing out matches. 

The Greek would be a bit more tired ahead of the match having also played the doubles quarterfinals alongside his brother, Petros Tsitsipas. Rublev would love to continue his red-hot hardcourt form as he aims to prevent a hat-trick of losses against Tsitsipas. 

Prediction - Andrey Rublev to win in three sets

Featured Image Credits - First Sportz