Zhizhen Zhang vs Andrey Rublev Prediction: Never in doubt for Andrey Rublev

Zhizhen Zhang and Andrey Rublev are drawn against each other in the ATP Cincinnati Round of 32 stage. Rublev had been superior in both meetings against Zhizhen Zhang in the past, and holds the greater odds to claim another victory here. Last time Rublev faced Zhang was at the ATP Dubai in February and he won in straight sets.

Zhizhen Zhang (ATP #44)

Zhizhen Zhang enters the round of 32 stage after defeating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the previous round. He will face world number 6 Andrey Rublev, and this will be his third meeting against Rublev.

Zhizhen Zhang defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets by a 6-3,7-6 score. He scored 69 points in total and won 13 games.

His stats in the match was summarized as follows:-

SERVICE: First serve 51%, First serve points 77%, Second serve 92%, Second serve points 80%, break points saved 0%.

RETURN: First serve return points 30%, Second serve return points 56% and breakpoints converted 3.

Andrey Rublev (ATP #6)

Andrey Rublev comes into the ATP Cincinnati tournament in the round of 32 and he's set to face Zhizhen Zhang. Andrey Rublev had beaten Zhang twice in the past and won both meetings, so the momentum is with him ahead of this opening match.

Rublev came into the ATP Cincinnati following his defeat to Alexei Popyrin at the ATP Montreal Final match. He lost in straight sets by a 2-6,4-6 score. Rublev won a total of 54 points and 6 games in that match.

Rublev's stats are summarized as follows:-

SERVICE: First serve 44%, First serve points 63%, Second serve 86%, Second serve points 40%, break points saved 55%.

RETURN: First serve return points 15%, Second serve return points 65% and breakpoints converted 1.

Expert Betting Tips

With the power and aggressive baseline game, Rublev is the outright favorite against Zhang, who has improved in recent times but still genuinely is a level below in experience and match toughness as compared to Rublev. While a straight-sets win for Rublev would be a most expected outcome, as long as Zhang plays above his average—like he did against Norrie earlier this week—he could well make at least one set competitive. As he is rather dominant and consistent, Rublev will no doubt hold the edge, so the bet for 2-0 in his favor comes as quite reasonable, with under 22.5 total games.

• Andrey Rublev Win 2-0 at 2 Odds
• Under 22.5 Total Games at 1.83 Odds
• Andrey Rublev (-3.5) Games Handicap at 1.90 Odds