Andrey Rublev will attempt to win a tour-leading fifth title in 2020 when he faces Lorenzo Sonego in a surprising Vienna final on Sunday. In Nur-Sultan, an all-seeded affair pits Adrian Mannarino against John Millman.
Erste Bank Open: (LL) Lorenzo Sonego vs. (5) Andrey Rublev
Rublev and Sonego will be going head-to-head for the second time in their careers and for the first time on the main tour when they battle in the Vienna final on Sunday afternoon. Their only previous encounter came four years ago on red clay of the Cortina Challenger, where Rublev got the job done 6-3, 7-5. Obviously far more is at stake this time around; in fact, this is definitely the biggest match of Sonego’s career. The 25-year-old Italian is 1-0 lifetime in ATP finals, but his win came at a small 250-point in Antalya last summer. He is through to his second final as a lucky loser, making the most of his new opportunity with straight-set victories over Dusan Lajovic, Hubert Hurkacz, Novak Djokovic, and Dan Evans.
That Rublev has not dropped a set this week really isn’t much of a surprise. The eighth-ranked Russian is absolutely on fire right now, bidding for his third 500-point title in less than two months (also Hamburg and St. Petersburg). As if he needed any help, Rublev has gotten retirements from Jannik Sinner and Kevin Anderson this week while also beating an injured Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals. The No. 5 seed will likely be too good in this one, but Sonego is incredibly confident right now and won’t be afraid of the moment so a relatively competitive and high-quality contest should be in store.
Pick: Rublev in 2
Astana Open: (3) Adrian Mannarino vs. (4) John Millman
It will be a much different kind of matchup in Nur-Sultan–for multiple reasons. One, it is extremely tough to call. Two, the hitting won’t be nearly as big but the rallies are sure to be grueling from start to finish. The previous two encounters between Mannarino and Millman (both in the last 13 months and both won by Millman) were long three-setters and another one can be expected on Sunday.
That would not be anything new for the 45th-ranked Australian, who needed three tough sets in the quarterfinals (vs. Tommy Paul) and the semis (vs. Frances Tiafoe) earlier this week. Mannarino, on the other hand, has absolutely cruised past all of his opponents (Yuichi Sugita, Mackenzie McDonald, and Emil Ruusuvuori). The 39th-ranked Frenchman has a horrendous finals record (1-8), but Millman will be feeling the pressure of having never won one. Current form and experience give a slight edge to Mannarino.
Pick: Mannarino in 3
WWW?
Rublev in 2; Millman in 3….and that Paris draw looks awesome!
Mannarino has been crap lately but on form on this type of court , Id back him in three. Millman is just like his name, grinds through and it will be close.
Feels like Rafa will win Paris.
Going for Rublev in Vienna. But Tsitsi was my original pick.
And I’m stuck with my silly original pick in Nur-Sultan, Mannarino.
Not such a silly pick, the top 2seeds were destined to go out early sop wide open
Sonego can win.
True. I am prepared to see either one win, Sonego or Rublev. I like tennis.
Millman or Mannarino 😀 I don’t put money on any of this. I play the weekly draw game and like guessing – mostly I am wrong these days.
Sonego has won his last 2 ATP Challanger finals also. This will be a tough match for Rublev. Sonego is a man on a mission especially with fellow countryman Sinner coming through the ranks.
There’s now 8 Italians in the top 100. That has to be the most ever.
Yes, and Andrey must-win Vienna to be assured his first-time spot in the ATP final. Might be too much pressure. I guess he’d have to go to Paris and remain in the grind to make the ATP final if he loses to Sonego.
Also, I’d like to see Sinner and Sonego keep winning…Berrettini too
Millman is a fierce competitor and will be very tough to beat in a final with plenty of match practice.
…and Millman has nothing to lose because he really shouldn’t be there having been down 5-0 and 2 MPs to Paul in the 3rd set TB
However, Mannarino hasnt dropped a set. Tough match.
Mannarino 2-1
Sonego 2-1
Sonego is now playing like he has some to lose. What a shame.