US Open in New York, quarterfinals, Wednesday, 06.09.2023
Russian duel in the quarterfinals of the US Open. The three of the world will meet the eight, Daniil Medvedev on Andrey Rublev. The favorite is Mededev, who won the tournament two years ago.
His record on hard court so far is outstanding. He will meet Rublev for the ninth time at ATP level. Which Russian will advance to the semifinals? I give a prediction in my Medvedev Rublev tip.
One or two tennis fans will remember that Medvedev and Rublev have played out a quarterfinal at a Grand Slam twice before.
Medvedev won both of those duels on the big stage, not even losing a set. It was only in the sixth encounter that Rublev managed to win a set and at the same time his first victory against Medvedev.
He was able to repeat the success after the Masters in Cincinnati three months later at the ATP Finals 2022, where Rublev again left the field as the winner with three straight sets played.
Why Medvedev is the three of the world, he proved afterwards in Dubai. He won the only duel in a final clearly 6-2, 6-2.
It was also the last match of the two professionals, who have already skimmed off a double-digit million amount in prize money.
Given Medvedev’s 6-2 lead and hard court performance this year, the 1.37 for his win is no surprise. Rublev’s 3.00 doesn’t qualify as great underdog odds.
Rublev had to face Arthur Cazaux, Gael Monfils, Arthur Rinderknech and Jack Draper. The last three matches all went over four sets.
The world number eight was gripping in the service games of his opponents. Especially with his inside-out forehand he got himself many points.
He will look for his chance via Medvedev’s second serve, the 27-year-old’s weak point. Against Alex De Minaur (2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2) and Sebastian Baez (6-2, 6-2, 7-6), he gave up 59 percent of the points.
He is all the stronger over the first statement, with which he earns 80 percent of the points. In three of the four rounds, this also came over the net reliably with over 60 percent.
At the same time, the tall but slender Medvedev is a defensive artist who can completely steer the rally in his direction from the most difficult situations.
Because of these qualities and the safe service games compared to Rublev, he should take win number seven in this duel. For the -1.5 set handicap, Interwetten offers 1.65 odds.
My Medvedev Rublev Tip
Medvedev has won 32 of his 37 hardcourt matches this year, including triumphing at the Indian Wells major in the spring. Hardcourt is his parade surface.
He has beaten Rublev six times and even in his two losses has always pulled out a straight-set win. Overall, he has the greater potential when it comes to calling up the maximum performance.
My Medvedev Rublev tip: Medvedev wins with a -1,5 set handicap.
