Vienna Open Finals Preview and Prediction: Andrey Rublev vs Lorenzo Sonego

Fifth seed Andrey Rublev takes on the lucky loser Lorenzo Sonego in the finals of the Vienna Open

Key Insights

• Rublev has not lost a set so far in the tournament.
• The Russian is playing his fifth final of 2020 having won all four finals before.
• Rublev leads the head to head record 1-0 against Sonego. This is their first meeting on hard courts.
• This is Sonego's first hardcourt final on the ATP tour and second overall.
• Rublev has not lost his serve yet in the tournament.
• If Rublev wins today, he will surpass Novak Djokovic (4 titles) for the most number of titles in 2020.
• Rublev has an 18-1 win-loss record in the last four tournaments.
• A win today would take Rublev closer to a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals which will be held from November 15 to 22.
• Sonego is the first lucky loser playing in a Vienna final since 2010.

Lorenzo Sonego delivered the upset of the tournament when he stunned Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-1. He outlasted Daniel Evans in straight sets in the semifinals.

The Italian's strengths lie in his big forehand, strong groundstrokes, and a deceptive drop shot. He is an aggressive hitter who keeps the points short. On the other hand, Rublev has smashed a whooping 35 aces in the tournament. He controls and finishes the points from the baseline and can hit big off both wings. Sonego needs to get his court positioning right to trouble Rublev. 

The Russian was solid against defending champion, Dominic Thiem defeating him 7-6, 6-2 in the quarterfinals. He was leading 6-4, 4-1 against the 2018 champion, Kevin Anderson in the semifinals before the South African retired hurt due to a leg injury.

While Sonego has had a dream tournament, Rublev has shown tremendous consistency and been performing at an exceptionally high level. 

Prediction - Andrey Rublev to win in three sets

Featured Image Credits: firstsportz.com