Nitto ATP Finals 2020: Rafael Nadal vs Andrey Rublev Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

Nitto ATP Finals 2020: Rafael Nadal vs Andrey Rublev Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
Rafael Nadal and Andrey Rublev

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal will be taking on the most in-form player of 2020, Andrey Rublev, on the opening day of the Nitto ATP Finals 2020 in the London O2 Arena on November 15th.

This will be the first time they would play on an indoor hard court. The fans should anticipate a very intense battle given the fact Rublev has been in stunning form however Nadal’s vast experience will give him the edge.

Match Details:

  • Date: 15th November 2020
  • Tournament: Nitto ATP Finals 2020
  • Match: Rafael Nadal vs Andrey Rublev
  • Venue: London, United Kingdom
  • Category: ATP Finals
  • Surface: Indoor Hard-Court
  • Prize Money: $5,700,000

Rafael Nadal vs Andrey Rublev: Match Preview

Andrey Rublev

Rafael Nadal won the French Open for a historic 13th time as he joined hands with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slams. The Spaniard’s most recent appearance happens to be at the indoor Paris Masters where he lost against Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.

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The World No.2 is well charged up ahead of the ATP Finals as his decision to skip US Open has benefitted him and has anyway not played much in the reduced season, both owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

Nadal has reached the title clash of ATP Finals twice in the past but always a runner-up. He has his eyes set on the missing title from his prestigious collection.

Andrey Rublev sits on his career-high ranking of No.8 and is the most consistent player of 2020. He has won five titles this year already including three from the ATP 500 level- St. Petersburg, Hamburg and the most recent one in Vienna.

The Russian was last seen at the Paris Masters where he lost to Stan Wawrinka in the third round. The exit could have served him as a favor after playing on the trot since tennis resumed in August.

Rafael Nadal vs Andrey Rublev: Head to Head

Andrey Rublev and Rafael Nadal at 2017 US Open.

The two have met only once before, at the US Open quarter-finals in 2017 where Nadal ousted Rublev in straight sets.

The head to head stands at 1-0 in the favour of the Spaniard.

Rafael Nadal vs Andrey Rublev: Match Prediction

Rafael Nadal

However, Rafael Nadal has only one title to his name on an indoor hard-court as he often struggles to play with the same intensity as on any outdoor court. Andrey Rublev is arguable the most improved player of 2020 after staying consistent and delivering solid performances back to back.

The Russian will have a huge task in hand to keep the Spaniard at bay who will be looking to go all out to win his first ATP Finals title. Rublev is in-form but Nadal has got a vast experience, which would serve him well to achieve his goal.

Prediction: Rafael Nadal wins in straight sets.

Also Read: Road to Nitto ATP Finals: Overview of Andrey Rublev’s 2020 season, Past Performance and Prediction for ATP Finals 2020