Following a comeback win over Robin Haase, Andy Murray will take on red-hot Russian Andrey Rublev in the Rotterdam second round on Wednesday. Top seed Daniil Medvedev will be in first-round action against Dusan Lajovic.
(1) Daniil Medvedev vs. Dusan Lajovic
World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev will take on Serbian veteran Dusan Lajovic in his first match since he lost in the final of the Australian Open to Novak Djokovic. Lajovic won their last meeting, which came in the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters back in 2019. The win would be more notable, but Medvedev notoriously underperforms on the dirt. In his years as a professional tennis player, the world No. 3 has won exactly 10 career tour-level matches on clay.
As Rotterdam is indoor and not on clay, Lajovic isn’t likely to get as lucky this time around. Medvedev is an excellent indoor player. He is the reigning Paris Masters and Nitto ATP Finals champion. Lajovic is a tricky first-round opponent, but Medvedev has had plenty of matches in 2021 to get warmed up.
Cheryl pick: Medvedev in 2
Ricky pick: Medvedev in 2
(4) Andrey Rublev vs. (WC) Andy Murray
Andy Murray is working hard to earn his way back to the top of the men’s game. The former world No. 1 is currently ranked No. 123. He posted an inspirational come-from-behind win over Dutchman Robin Haase on Monday and his reward is a spot opposite No. 4 seed Andrey Rublev.
Murray is certain to the sentimental favorite in this second-round encounter, but Rublev is still just hitting his stride. The Russian racked up a career-high five tour titles in 2020, already snagged a title in 2021, and made the quarterfinals at the Australian Open.
This may well end up as a Rublev bullying session. Murray is still trying to find his legs after hip resurfacing surgery nearly ended his career and Rublev has enough speed, power, and consistency to push the Scot around the back of the court. Expect a straightforward Rublev win.
Cheryl pick: Rublev in 2
Ricky pick: Rublev in 2
WWW?
Good grief, it’s UPSET DAY in Rotterdam! Can Murray add to the mayhem?!?
Suspend and fine Medvedev. He is a disgrace. Match fixing at its finest.