Andrey Rublev vs Jiri Lehecka Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Indian Wells

Prediction published on 09/03/2024, 13:02  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 09/03/2024 at 14:03 in ATP Indian Wells Predictions

Fifth seeded Andrey Rublev reached the semi-finals at Indian Wells two years ago. He's looking to go deep again and faces 32nd seed Jiri Lehecka for a place in the last 16 of this outdoor hard court tournament. The winner of this match will take on either 11th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or 18th seeded Frances Tiafoe for a spot in the quarter final. Rublev is getting used to reaching at least the last eight of a tournament. The Russian has done that in each of the events he's played this year. One title has been won and that was in Hong Kong at the start of the year. His consistent results have taken him to fifth in the Live ATP Race. He leads Lehecka 2-1 in previous meetings and the last match was here last year with Rublev winning in straight sets. So far in this tournament, he's beaten Andy Murray in straight sets.

Jiri Lehecka's only win over Rublev came in the outdoor hard court tournament held in Doha last year. He's 32nd in the latest rankings and up to 30th in the live list after beating Brandon Nakashima in his opening match. That wasn't smooth progress as he lost the first set against the American. Lehecka has also won one tournament this year with success in Adelaide. His most recent event saw him get to the last eight in Dubai. He lost to Alexander Bublick after having to retire when 4-1 down in the first set. Rublev is so consistent at present and we back him to win in straight sets.