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Match Details
Fixture: (2) Andrey Rublev vs Alex De Minuar
Date: February 13, 2023
Tournament: Rotterdam Open
Round: First round (Round of 32)
Venue: Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: €2,074,505
Live Telecasts: USA - ESPN | UK - Eurosport |
Andrey Rublev vs Alex De Minuar preview
Second seed Andrey Rublev will take on Alex De Minaur in the first round of the Rotterdam Open on Monday, February 13.
Rublev has been in decent form in the last few months, amassing 15 wins from 23 matches and a runner-up finish at the Gijon Open since August. He also reached the semi-finals of the Nitto ATP Finals and the quarter-finals at the 2023 Australian Open.
The Russian put up an encouraging performance in Melbourne, defeating the likes of Dominic Thiem, Emil Ruusuvuori, Daniel Evans, and Holger Rune en route to the top eight. However, he couldn't fend off Novak Djokovic in the last eight, who outclassed him in straight sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
Alex De Minuar, on the other hand, has also shown positive developments in the last few months. He's chalked up 14 wins from 21 matches and is a runner-up in the Davis Cup Finals. He also reached the semi-finals of the Stockholm Open and the fourth round of the 2023 Australian Open.
The 23-year-old looked in solid touch at the Australian Open. He defeated the likes of Yu Hsiou Hsu, Adrian Mannarino, and Benjamin Bonzi en route to the fourth round, but couldn't get past Novak Djokovic. The World No. 1 outfoxed him in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
Andrey Rublev vs Alex De Minuar head-to-head
De Minuar leads the head-to-head against the Russian 2-1. However, Rublev won their most recent encounter at the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Andrey Rublev vs Alex De Minuar odds
All odds are sourced by BetMGM. (To be updated)
Andrey Rublev vs Alex De Minuar prediction
Both players will be fancying their chances of a deep run in Rotterdam and are entering the event on the back of some motivating wins on tour. While Rublev seems to be a marginal favorite considering their form at the moment, De Minaur will have the psychological edge after having defeated the Russian twice already in their previous three encounters.
Second seed Rublev likes to play on hardcourt surfaces and is known for his powerful hitting from the baseline. However, the Russian still needs to improve his defensive game as he often struggles to grind out long rallies and stay in the match against strong competitors.
De Minuar's best approach would be to meet fire with fire and play fearless tennis in Rotterdam. The Australian always seems to be building momentum in the first few stages of an event but struggles to see off tougher challenges in the closing stages. However, he has been putting in the hard yards and is on the right track to get past that barrier.
Both players like to play their fast-paced brand of tennis and those who serve well may come out on top in this first-round clash. De Minaur has a great opportunity to make a statement and will know that he has the edge when it comes to holding their nerve in crucial moments. If he absorbs the pressure in the early stages and settles in quickly, he could outlast the second seed and kick off his campaign with a win.
Pick: Alex De Minaur to win in three sets.
