2021 US Open First Round – Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic taking place? Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic on and what time does it start? Monday 30th August, 2021 – not before 17:15 (UK)
What surface is Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic being played on? Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic
What channel is Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic
Where can I stream Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Andrey Rublev vs Ivo Karlovic live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
ANDREY RUBLEV
World number seven Andrey Rublev has reached two ATP 1000 finals this season and lost them both to Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Monte-Carlo Masters in April and last time out to Alexander Zverev at the Cincinnati Open. The 23-year-old has eight titles to his name as a dominative force at ATP 500 level but he has yet to truly realise his potential at the very top of the sport. Rublev has twice reached the quarter-finals of the US Open which remains his furthest stage in a major.
IVO KARLOVIC
The evergreen Ivo Karlovic returns to Flushing Meadows for a 17th appearance after coming through the qualifiers, slamming down 67 aces over three matches. The 42-year-old former world number 14 is an entirely unique player who relies almost entirely on the most powerful serve in tour and he has utilised his skills well to win eight ATP titles. His best result at a Grand Slam was reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2009 but more recently he made the round of 16 here in 2016.
THE PREDICTION
Andrey Rublev may have lost in the final of the Cincinnati Open last week but the 23-year-old achieved a hugely important win over compatriot Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals. To know that he can beat the likes of Medvedev should vastly improve his confidence ahead of a Grand Slam he possesses the right game to win one day if he continues in his trajectory. Facing Ivo Karlovic is a wholly unique challenge but Rublev’s strengths are in his movement and precise, reliable returning that should nullify the Croat a little. There will be plenty of aces too, but Rublev should be able to reach the second round without dropping a set.
