The Vienna Open has been full of surprises. From Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem’s early exits to Lorenzo Sonego’s run to the finals, this has been a tumultuous tournament. The clash between two young stars is a thrilling end to an enthralling week,
ATP Vienna Open Final Prediction – Andrey Rublev vs Lorenzo Sonego
Andrey Rublev vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head to head: 0-0
Andrey Rublev and Lorenzo Sonego have been the two in-form players of the Vienna Open so a final between the two, while unexpected, is fitting. Sonego’s dominant win against the previously almost invincible Novak Djokovic was the standout match of the tournament. His ability to back up that win with a solid performance against Dan Evans shows the level at which he is playing. Sonego has had several excellent wins in Vienna. His first round win in three sets over Aljaz Bedene and his round of 16 triumph in two tiebreaks over Hubert Hurkacz demonstrated his level. Sonego’s mental strength has match his game. In tight moments against Hurkacz he remained cool and, when running away with the match against Djokovic, he never faltered.
Rublev has been excellent in Vienna, and throughout 2020. His run to the finals has been aided by two walkovers against two challenging opponents: Jannik Sinner and Kevin Anderson. Rublev’s form coming into the week was such that he could have prevailed over both, but the freshness his easier route has afforded him means that even though he is competing in Vienna directly after winning St. Petersburg he will not be overly fatigued in the final.
The matchup is a mouthwatering one. Both players are young and both are climbing the ATP rankings rapidly. Rublev’s rise has been more meteoric, but Sonego, especially following his win over Djokovic is also on the way up. The question will be which of these two players can impose their game on the other. Sonego’s tennis, at its best, can overwhelm any opponent. Djokovic was far from his best in their match, but Sonego smothered the Serb at every opportunity. Rublev has more easy power on his forehand side and the way he hugs the baseline can take time away from opponents with ease. His downfall comes when he refuses to give ground and ends up lashing out at the ball during rallies in ill-considered ways. Sonego is a good player, but he will be hard pressed to force Rublev out of his comfort zone.
Prediction: Rublev in 2.
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