In what promises to be a thrilling final at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters, Holger Rune will take on Andrey Rublev. The Russian is seeking his first Masters 1000 title, Rune his second. Both men will be looking to make a statement ahead of the French Open and, as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our prediction for the final. But who will come out on top?
ATP Monte Carlo Final Prediction
Holger Rune vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: Rune 1-1 Rublev
Holger Rune started his week in Monte Carlo with an excellent 6-2 6-4 win over Dominic Thiem, twice a finalist at Roland Garros. The Austrian is not the player he was, but Rune looked very sharp all the same. Rune then benefitted from Matteo Berrettini withdrawing ahead of their third-round clash. Instead his second match in Monte Carlo was contested against third seed Daniil Medvedev. Rune won comfortably, dropping just seven games in a 6-3 6-4 win.
Rune then secured his spot in the final by ralling from a set down to beat Jannik Sinner 1-6 7-5 7-5, silencing the partisan crowd in the process. That win set up a clash with Rublev. The Russian, seeded fifth at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters, opened his campaign against Jaume Munar, coming from a set down to beat the Spaniard 4-6 6-2 6-2. He then beat his countryman Karen Khachanov 7-6 6-2 before reaching the semifinals courtesy of a 6-1 7-6 win over Jan-Lennard Struff.
Rublev then overcame Taylor Fritz in an entertaining semifinal, prevaling 5-7 6-1 6-3. But whilst Rublev has impressed so far in Monte Carlo, he is the underdog here. There is a lot that Rublev does well, but he lacks a truly reliable weapon. Rune may not quite be able to match Rublev’s athleticism or consistency, but he can dictate terms in a way that Rublev can’t. If Rune can maintain the level he has shown so far this week, expect him to come out on top.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
