It will be an all-French affair in Auckland when Benoit Paire and Ugo Humbert battle for the title on Saturday. In Adelaide, meanwhile, Andrey Rublev is aiming for what would already be his second title in 2020.
ASB Classic: (5) Benoit Paire vs. Ugo Humbert
Paire and Humbert will be going head-to-head for the second time in their careers when they clash in the Auckland final on Saturday. Their only previous meeting came last summer in Winston-Salem, where Paire prevailed 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-3. Speaking of three-setters, the 24th-ranked Frenchman has already played four of this week–beating Jannik Sinner, Thiago Monteiro, John Millman, and Hubert Hurkacz all in deciders.
Whereas Paire is bidding for his fourth career ATP title, Humbert is playing in his first final. The 57th-ranked Frenchman booked a spot in it by ousting Casper Ruud, Marco Cecchinato, Denis Shapovalov, and John Isner while surrendering just one set to Ruud. Humbert won 38 of 38 first-serve points against Isner in the semis, but Paire–although not exactly the Diego Schwartzman of returners–is a much better returner than Isner. Auckland’s fifth seed broke Hurkacz a whopping six times on Friday.
Pick: Paire in 3
Adelaide International: (Q) Lloyd Harris vs. (2) Andrey Rublev
When will Rublev’s season-opening hot streak end? Perhaps down the line at the Australian Open when fatigue really starts to set in with both his legs and his mind; probably not on Saturday against Harris. The 18th-ranked Russian has long since decided to put in a max effort in Adelaide, clearly unconcerned with his upcoming Melbourne campaign. So there is no reason to slow down at the final hurdle.
It should help that Rublev, who outlasted Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(5), 6-7(7), 6-4 on Friday, is facing a heavy underdog and inexperienced opponent. This is obviously Harris’ first-ever ATP final. The 91st-ranked South African has to be feeling some fatigue, as well, having played six matches to advance this far. After qualifying for the main draw, Harris knocked off Christian Garin, Laslo Djere, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Tommy Paul. Running into the hottest player on tour (Rublev lifted the Doha trophy last week) marks a sudden end to such a favorable draw.
Pick: Rublev in 2
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