2021 Australian Open Third Round – Andrey Rublev vs Feliciano Lopez Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Andrey Rublev vs Feliciano Lopez taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne
When is Andrey Rublev vs Feliciano Lopez on and what time does it start? Saturday 13th February, 2021 – not before 02:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Andrey Rublev vs Feliciano Lopez? Click here to reach the official 2021 Australian Open ticket selection
What channel is Andrey Rublev vs Feliciano Lopez on? The 2021 Australian Open will be televised on Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedule for this specific match
Where can I stream Andrey Rublev vs Feliciano Lopez in the UK? Sky customers can stream this match on the Sky Go app. Alternatively, the match can be streamed to subscribers of Eurosport Player, either on the official website or as an add-on to an Amazon Prime subscription
THE LOWDOWN
ANDREY RUBLEV
- 23-year-old Andrey Rublev is yet to drop a set at the Australian Open but was well tested for the first time here in the third-set tiebreak by a tenacious Thiago Monteiro.
- The world number eight is seeded seventh at the Australian Open and on an eight-match winning streak now stretching back to his swansong defeat of Dominic Thiem at the ATP Finals.
FELICIANO LOPEZ
- 39-year-old Feliciano Lopez rolled back the years with an incredible five-set comeback from 2-0 down over the 31st seed Lorenzo Sonego to reach the third round emphatically.
- The world number 65 has played nine sets already in Melbourne and despite his impressive fitness there is little chance of him not feeling a little fatigue against the ferocity of Andrey Rublev.
THE PREDICTION
Feliciano Lopez has seen and done it all on a tennis court but his five-set win over Lorenzo Sonego was something special, particularly from 2-0 down, and he will be flying-high at the start of this match. The Spanish veteran has never faced Andrey Rublev before and is unlikely to enjoy his first time with the world number eight in such stupendous form. Rublev won the joint-most matches on tour last season for a reason and he has made the round of 16 in his last four Grand Slams on the spin. Lopez’ efforts in the last two rounds should cost him a little here but it is likely that the Russian would still have won this in straight sets either way. It might take a tiebreak again but Rublev can get through to the round of 16 here in three.
