Andrey Rublev vs Alexander Zverev Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Cincinnati Open

Prediction published on 22/08/2021, 08:23  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 22/08/2021 at 11:11 in Tennis Predictions

Third seeded Alexander Zverev bids to win his second successive title. The Olympic champion faces Andrey Rublev (seeded fourth) in the final of the Western & Southern Open. Zverev is the world number five but up to fourth in the live ranking replacing the injured Rafael Nadal. The German has won three titles this year, getting wins in Acapulco and the Madrid Masters as well as in Tokyo. This tournament in Cincinnati is his first since winning Olympic gold. He's had straight sets wins over Lloyd Harris, Guido Pella and Casper Ruud, before beating second seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets. The first set was won by Zverev, Tsitsipas drew level but it was the third seed who won the final set on a tie-break. Zverev has won all four of his previous matches against Rublev. The most recent victory was at last year's Australian Open.

World number seven Andrey Rublev is in his second Masters final. The other was in Monte Carlo on clay this year, where he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas. Rublev was so consistent in the first few months of this year and won a tournament played in Rotterdam. His form has returned now as he prepares for the US Open. He's had victories over Marin Cilic (coming from a set down), Gael Monfils and in his semi-final, Rublev beat top seed Daniil Medvedev in three sets after dropping the first.  Zverev has a great record against Rublev but his opponent has shown a lot of improvement since their last match. Go for over 21.5 games to be played in this final and a side-bet on a tie-break.