2021 Monte-Carlo Masters Semi-Final – Andrey Rublev vs Casper Ruud Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Andrey Rublev vs Casper Ruud taking place? Monte Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
When is Andrey Rublev vs Casper Ruud on and what time does it start? Saturday 17th April, 2021 – not before 13:50 (UK)
What surface is Andrey Rublev vs Casper Ruud being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Andrey Rublev vs Casper Ruud? No tickets are available as this tournament will take place without spectators
What channel is Andrey Rublev vs Casper Ruud on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Andrey Rublev vs Casper Ruud? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live via their platform. Subscribers of Tennis TV can also stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
ANDREY RUBLEV
- 23-year-old Andrey Rublev beat an out-of-sorts Rafael Nadal in emphatic fashion on Friday evening to reach his second successive Masters semi-final having not made this stage before this month.
- The world number eight has eight ATP titles to his name already, three at ATP 500 level, and two on clay with his best surface somewhat up for debate after his defeat of 11-time Monte-Carlo champion Nadal.
CASPER RUUD
- World number 27 Casper Ruud looks set to soar up the ATP rankings this clay season after his performances this week and he beat the reigning champion Fabio Fognini in straight sets on Friday.
- 22-year-old Ruud may well have preferred to face Rafael Nadal in this form but will have to beat Andrey Rublev for the first time if he is to reach his first Masters final.
Both Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud knocked out Monte-Carlo Masters champions in the quarter-finals and whilst all the headlines will go to the Russian’s first conquest of Nadal, Ruud’s level this week has been exceptional. The Norwegian has lost to Rublev on all three previous meetings with the world number eight, and twice on clay in recent times at the Hamburg Open in 2019 and 2020, but he has certainly improved his already excellent game on this surface. If Rublev had not beaten Nadal to reach this stage of the semi-final this prediction would probably have leant towards 22-year-old Ruud, given the way he has played this week, but Rublev is exceptional at building on momentum. He lost in the semi-finals of the Miami Open last time out to Hubert Hurkacz and will be desperate not to make the same mistake here, so take the Russian to extend his record over Ruud to 4-0.
