Andrey Rublev and Alexei Popyrin are set for a power-packed Cincinnati Open Round of 32 clash on the outdoor hard courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. The ninth seed Rublev is eager to extend his run against the 21st-seeded Popyrin, with both players advancing in straight sets to reach this stage.
Match details:
– Date: August 12, 2025
– Tournament: Cincinnati Open (ATP Masters 1000)
– Round: Round of 32
– Surface: Outdoor hard
– Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio
– Live telecast: Tennis Channel, Fubo, ESPN+, Sky Sports
Head-to-head and recent form:
– Rublev vs. Popyrin is tied at 2-1 in favor of Popyrin across all matches. Their most recent meeting was the 2024 National Bank Open final in Montreal, where Popyrin defeated Rublev 6-2, 6-4.
– In Cincinnati, both players won their Round of 32 matches in straight sets. Rublev defeated Learner Tien 7-6(4), 6-3, while Popyrin beat qualifier Martin Landaluce by the same scoreline (7-6(4), 6-3).
– Rublev’s North American hard-court swing has included a Doha title and deep runs in Montpellier and Los Cabos, with earlier exits in Washington and a mixed run in Toronto. Popyrin has also shown solid form with quarterfinal appearances in Monte-Carlo, Geneva, and Toronto.
Key statistics and matchup factors:
– Rublev’s hard-court form in 2025 stands at a 14-10 record. He relies on explosive power from the baseline, a heavy forehand, and high-intensity defense that can push opponents off the court in long exchanges.
– Popyrin produces big pressure with his serving, standing around an 8-ace-per-match pace, and uses his height to drive flat serves and forehands. His service games can be a launching pad for momentum, especially on faster surfaces, but he can sometimes struggle with consistency in extended rallies.
– Rublev’s first-serve points won are typically in the low-70s, with service games won around the mid-80s. Popyrin’s first-serve percentage is generally around 61%, and he tends to post a higher rate of double faults, with a lower break-point conversion in longer rallies.
Prediction and outlook:
– The clash is expected to tilt in Rublev’s favor on pace and consistency in longer baseline exchanges, though Popyrin’s serve could steal a set if he finds a rhythm on serve early.
– Prediction: Rublev wins in three sets.
– Why this could happen: Rublev’s firepower and depth from the baseline can wear down opponents over the course of a match, especially on hard courts. Popyrin’s serve can carry him through a tight set or two, but Rublev’s consistency and aggressive ball-striking give him the edge in the longer match.
Additional notes and value:
– Watch for Rublev’s return game to pressure Popyrin’s serve, potentially creating break chances in key moments.
– The winner will gain momentum heading into the latter stages of the tournament, with potential implications for overall hard-court form and confidence on North American surfaces.
Commentary:
– This match pits Rublev’s relentless pace against Popyrin’s big-serve aggression. If Rublev broadens the rally length and takes advantage of Popyrin’s second serve, he should control the tempo and secure the win. If Popyrin can serve cleanly and disrupt Rublev’s timing, an upset is possible, especially if he can capitalize on sets where Rublev’s first serves dip.
Summary:
– A high-energy hard-court duel looms in Cincinnati as Rublev eyes another deep push and Popyrin looks to leverage his serving power. The stage is set for a competitive battle that could hinge on first-serve consistency and how effectively each player negotiates pressure moments.