Andrey Rublev vs Grigor Dimitrov Prediction: No easy road for both players

Andrey Rublev faces Grigor Dimitrov in the Round of 16 in the US Open. This clash promises to be fascinating for the fans as both players have been in extraordinary form throughout the tournament. 

Andrey Rublev (ATP #6)

Rublev comes into this match full of confidence after a solid US Open so far. The slight scare in the second round, where Arthur Rinderknech pushed him to five sets, notwithstanding, Rublev has shown his resilience and ability to pull through. With powerful groundstrokes, particularly his forehand, Rublev is an unforgiving baseliner who will always look to dictate. His aggressive game fits perfectly on the hard courts of the US Open, where one can utilize his explosive power to overwhelm opponents. First serve has indeed been one of the integral parts of success for Rublev throughout the tournament, serving above consistently 60% first serves in and winning about 75% of those points. His return game has been razor-sharp in turn, too, particularly against Seyboth Wild and Lehecka, as he has broken serve a number of times and kept the pressure constant.

The game plan would most probably revolve around the dominant baseline game of Rublev. He will look to dominate the points with his powerful forehand and push Dimitrov behind the baseline onto the back foot. The Russian will need to serve effectively-especially his second serve-which, if weak, could be prey for Dimitrov. Given the fact that Dimitrov loves variety, Rublev would have to expect a combination of slices, drop shots, and net approaches. He will have to hold his focus and aggression throughout the match against the Bulgarian.

Grigor Dimitrov (ATP #9)

Dimitrov has been in sublime form at the US Open, where he has won all his matches in straight sets. Fluid movement, variety in shot-making, and improved mental toughness have all featured in his performances thus far. While one-handed backhand is natural to him, Dimitrov's game builds around finesse and varieties, making him versatile enough to adapt to different opponents and situations. His serve, especially, has looked impeccable throughout the competition, where, in every match so far, his first-serve percentage has been over 65%, winning more than 80% of those points. Dimitrov also kept the mistakes to a minimum, was concentrated throughout, and converted break-point chances when important, as seen from his matches against Griekspoor and Hijikata.

Dimitrov, therefore, will seek to break Rublev's rhythm by constantly changing his shots to show off his variety and to keep the Russian off balance. His single-handed backhand, the slice more than anything, could prove a decisive weapon that might help neutralize the power of Rublev's game and force errors off his racket. Dimitrov needs to be aggressive on the Russian's second serve and immediately push forward to the net, where his touch and feel might prove the difference. It is his movement and anticipation of Dimitrov that defensively shall absorb the power of Rublev to turn this into offense.

Expert Betting Tips

With both players in excellent form through these tournaments, this promises to be a closely contested fight. Their contrast in styles may make all the difference, though. The recent tendency of Rublev to go the full length of the match might give Dimitrov a slight advantage, in that the Bulgarian has generally been more efficient with his victories, preserving energy by winning in straight sets. Success in their last meeting may also prove some sort of psychological advantage for Dimitrov.

Meanwhile, Rublev is not a pushover on a fast hard court, and if he remains aggressive and serves well, he has the firepower to blow Dimitrov away. This is certainly one of those matches that can go either way, but by virtue of his Baseline game, coupled with his successes of late, he has a slight edge. He should win, but it may be in five sets.

• Andrey Rublev Win at 1.85 Odds
• Over 39.5 Games at 1.81 Odds
• Total 5 Sets at 2.75 Odds