Astana Open: Adrian Mannarino vs Emil Ruusuvuori Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction for Nur Sultan 2020

Astana Open: Adrian Mannarino vs Emil Ruusuvuori Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction for Nur Sultan 2020
Adrian Mannarino and Emil Ruusuvuori

Third seed Adrian Mannarino goes against qualifier Emil Ruusuvuori in the semifinals of the Astana Open on Saturday. This will be their first meeting on the ATP Tour.

Match Details

  • Tournament: Astana Open 2020
  • Date: 31 October 2020
  • Match: Adrian Mannarino vs Emil Ruusuvuori
  • Round: Semifinal
  • Venue: Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
  • Category: ATP 250
  • Surface: Indoor hardcourt
  • Prize Money: Approx. $273,345

Adrian Mannarino vs Emil Ruusuvuori: Match Preview

Adrian Mannarino

Adrian Mannarino has had a rocky 2020 season, with many first-round exits across all the tournaments he has played in. However, he did lift one title at the Monterrey Challenger event. His best performance in a top-flight ATP event came at the US Open, where he reached the third round before losing to eventual finalist, Alexander Zverev.

The 32-year-old is coming into this match with two commanding performances in the earlier rounds of the Astana Open. His seeding granted him a bye into the second round, where he faced Japan’s, Yuichi Sugita. The Frenchman dominated the entire match and won with a convincing score of 6-1, 6-1. Next, in the quarterfinals, Mannarino faced American Mackenzie McDonald. Again, he comfortably registered a victory with a 6-1, 6-4 scoreline.

FS Video

Meanwhile, Emil Ruusuvuori is having a dream run at Astana, making his first-ever ATP semifinal. The 21-year-old Finn has been steadily making headway in the ATP Tour, rising to his career-best ranking of 91 in September this year. He reached the second rounds of three tournaments, including the US Open and Cincinnati Masters. He also made a finals appearance at the Bendigo 1 Challenger event in Canberra.

Ruusuvuori had to go through two qualifying matches to make the main draw in Astana. The second seed of the qualifying draw, he breezed through both matches despite facing a challenge from seasoned Viktor Troicki. His main draw matches were eventful, with him beating the likes of eighth seed Jordan Thompson and Mikhail Kukushkin on the way to the semifinals.

Adrian Mannarino vs Emil Ruusuvuori: Head-to-Head

Emil Ruusuvuori

The two players have never met each other on the ATP Tour; this will be their first-ever meeting. The head-to-head stands at 0-0.

Adrian Mannarino vs Emil Ruusuvuori: Match Prediction

Mannarino is poised to win.

Adrian Mannarino comes to this match being the more experienced player. The southpaw has a variety of tricks up his sleeve, including a unique forehand that can trouble opponents. He also has a tendency to go for the drop shot quite frequently – something he pulls off well. If he uses it effectively against Ruusuvuori – a baseliner – he’ll easily emerge the victor.

However, Ruusuvuori’s serve is one to watch out for. He has been serving especially well in this tournament, winning a majority of his first-serve points against his opponents. The young Finn could use this as a weapon against the Frenchman and try getting some good points through his serve.

Match Prediction: Adrian Mannarino to defeat Emil Ruusuvuori in straight sets.

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