US Open 2020: Andrey Rublev vs Gregoire Barrere preview, head-to-head & prediction  

Match details

Fixture: Andrey Rublev vs Gregoire Barrere

Date: 3 September 2020

Tournament: US Open 2020

Round: Second round (Round of 64)

Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York, USA

Category: Grand Slam

Surface: Outdoor hardcourt

Prize money: $39,024,000

Match timing: 12.30 pm EDT, 10 pm IST

Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel / ESPN | India - Star Sports / Hotstar

Andrey Rublev vs Gregoire Barrere preview

Andrey Rublev had an excellent opening match at the 2020 US Open, clinching a 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 win over Jeremy Chardy. The Russian has entered the draw as the 10th seed in the tournament, and will draw confidence from the fact that he had made it to the fourth round last year.

Rublev's opponent Gregoire Barrere knocked out Japan's Taro Daniel in the first round, winning his opening fixture 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. He was strong on his serve throughout the match, winning 74% of the points on his first delivery.

While the Frenchman has made a good start to his US Open campaign, his results at last month's Cincinnati Masters were slightly underwhelming. Barrere could not get past the qualifiers there, losing to Marcos Giron despite being a set up.

Andrey Rublev vs Gregoire Barrere head-to-head

Andrey Rublev and Gregoire Barrere have not faced each other on tour so far. Their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.

Andrey Rublev vs Gregoire Barrere prediction

Andrey Rublev's powerful forehand will be the biggest weapon on show in the match. However, the 22-year-old would have to be mindful of the amount of unforced errors he makes on the shot with his all-or-nothing approach.

Strong baseline play will be crucial for the Russian against Gregoire Barrere, who also has solid groundstrokes.

Gregoire Barrere will be wary of Andrey Rublev's fiery forehand

Both players are likely to be tentative early on, considering their disappointing results at the Cincinnati Masters last month - Rublev too was knocked out in the first round, by Dan Evans. The Russian would be eager to make amends at the Major where he's had the most success in the past - he had reached the quarterfinals here in 2017 before his fourth round showing last year.

Prediction: Andrey Rublev to win in four sets.