TC Plus Match of the Day: Matteo Berrettini vs. Andrey Rublev, Vienna

It was a sad day for tennis fans upon hearing the news that Felix Auger-Aliassime injured his ankle in practice, forcing him to withdraw from his opening-round match against Andrey Rublev. But fret not, because Rublev’s upcoming matchup versus Matteo Berrettini promises to be packed with even more pace and power.

Berrettini, currently ranked at a career-high No. 11, is in the midst of a breakout year. The US Open semifinalist is on the cusp of cracking the world’s Top 10 and is making a furious push to qualify for the ATP Finals. Wins over players like Karen Khachanov, Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios are seemingly becoming routine for him. His serve and forehand combination is devastating on all surfaces, and he backs up his power with elite fitness and consistency.

Associated Press

Rublev is also enjoying a season full of highs. The 22-year-old Russian began the year ranked No. 84 but has since catapulted to a career-high of No. 22 after triumphing in front of his home fans last weekend in Moscow. No one is hitting their forehand bigger or better than Rublev at the moment. On a quick indoor hard court, a mid-court forehand is the near equivalent of an ace for the Russian.

At this point, Berrettini is probably the more solid player, and is understandably a slight favorite in this matchup that could go either way. The 6’5” Italian defeated the huge-hitting Rublev on his way to the last four at Flushing Meadows and leads the series 2-1. While Rublev won their lone prior meeting indoors,  look for Berrettini to rise to the occasion as the Race to London continues to heat up.