Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Moselle Open match.
Andrey Rublev arrives in Metz with a clear mission: to seize the title and secure his spot in the ATP Finals in Turin. To achieve this, not only does he need a win, but also certain outcomes from other players. His opponent, Italian Lorenzo Sonego, may not have aspirations for such high goals, but he must deliver his best to stop the ambitious Russian.
Andrey Rublev
Rublev is currently ranked ninth and needs 250 points to guarantee his place in Turin. He has shown consistent results in recent encounters with Italian players, notching up 12 consecutive victories, excluding world number one Jannik Sinner. Andrey's playstyle is predominantly aggressive, with a powerful forehand as a key component of his arsenal. However, his occasional mental instability can hinder his performance. In the round of 16 of tournaments, he has triumphed in eight out of nine matches, reflecting his confidence at this stage of competition.
Lorenzo Sonego
Sonego is ranked 51st in the world and clinched a title in Winston-Salem this year. However, his recent match statistics raise concerns: he has lost six of his last nine encounters with Russian players. His indoor record stands at 72-52, but he struggles against stronger opponents. Although the Italian possesses a powerful forehand and a stable first serve, his backhand remains a weakness, which could play to Rublev’s advantage.
Andrey Rublev vs Lorenzo Sonego Prediction
Andrey Rublev is under pressure, yet his motivation and technical skills make him the clear favourite in this match. Despite the head-to-head standing equal (2-2), Rublev's current form and confidence are in his favour. Sonego, although victorious in the first round, lacks the consistency required to challenge such a motivated opponent. We expect Rublev to secure a confident win.
