Andrey Rublev vs Corentin Moutet Prediction: Russian Power vs. French Tenacity at the Moselle Open

An explosive match-up in the quarters of the 2024 Moselle Open is the explosive Russian powerhouse Andrey Rublev, who faces France's crafty lefty Corentin Moutet, known for his dogged on-court presence. First seeded and No. 9 in the ATP rankings, Rublev comes fresh from a two-set victory over Lorenzo Sonego. Moutet, ranked 66th, had a longer but triumphant three-set duel against Jan-Lennard Struff. With Metz offering a fast indoor surface, perfect for Rublev's powerful baseline game, Moutet will need every ounce of his tactical skills to counter the Russian weapons.

Rublev has been good in his aggressive game on the hard courts this season, securing titles in Hong Kong and Madrid to solidify his place in the ATP Top 10. The lower-ranked Moutet has been resilient and game in these tough matches, fighting through with a combination of defensive agility and precision. This is their third head-to-head, with Rublev leading 2-0, including a solid four-set win in their last meeting at the French Open.

But this is the quarterfinal where the power-driven approach from Rublev will be pitted against Moutet's patient baseline play and craftiness. While he can have that little extra in the psychological department with the supportive French crowd, Moutet has to remain consistent and capitalize on every opportunity.

What Rublev needs to get going is first-serve power and domination with his forehand. Having come away with 76% of first-serve points won and saving 100% of break points in his last match, it certainly seems he is confident under pressure. High-intensity Rublev will seek to be aggressive from the baseline on the fast surface of Metz. If he keeps up high return rates against Moutet's second serve, he will be the favorite for this clash.

For Moutet, nullifying the firepower of Rublev is key. Out of breath and cunning, Moutet needs to make the rallies long and extend Rublev to uncomfortable positions. The fact that in the last match he played, he was able to get 75% first serves in insinuates he's able to take care of business at the beginning of the points, while the weaker second-serve points, winning only 37%, may be some vulnerability. Mix up the shots to bother his rhythm, especially to his backhand.

Rublev comes into this match with an excellent indoor hard-court record and an aggressive game, perfectly suited to Metz's fast surface. His game statistics show him solidly planted at the baseline with good serving-creating a slight advantage over Moutet's more passive and slower game. Another thing that might prove problematic for Moutet is his second serve, which has been a liability. The way Rublev can attack off of second serves could quickly tip the rallies in his favor.

While Moutet has been able to find ways to adapt and work through extended rallies, the consistency of Rublev on first serve, in addition to his confidence in return games, should see him overpower the Frenchman. Rublev will want to keep reaping the rewards off his serve-and-forehand combinations in order to keep in control of the match and prevent Moutet from finding any rhythm.

• Over 20.5 Games @ 1.63 Odds
• Andrey Rublev Wins First Set & Match @ 1.57 Odds
• Andrey Rublev Wins 2-0 @ 1.61 Odds