Aslan Karatsev vs Alexander Bublik Prediction: Aslan Isn't Inspiring

In the first round of the tournament's main draw in Basel, Aslan Karatsev, No. 60, will meet with Alexander Bublik, No. 38, in the ATP ranking. The men have only once played each other in 2021 on the ground of Madrid, and No.38 won that personal meeting. It is not surprising that Bublik is the favorite in the upcoming game.

For Karatsev the tournament in Basel is his fourth this month. Before that Aslan was unsuccessful in Astana, Florence and Stockholm. In Switzerland, No. 60 qualified, but only as a winner, knocking out local player Riedi in two sets before losing to Frenchman Humbert in three. That match lasted two hours and 37 minutes, 6-4, 6-7, 1-6, but Ugo refused to play in the main draw, citing an injury. Aslan made seven aces and 12 double faults, winning 72% of points on the first serve and 41% on the second. Karatsev had the following statistics on the receiving end: 27%/44%, 29/35% winners/unforced errors.

At the end of September, Bublik reached the final of the tournament in Metz, which he lost to Italian Sonego in two games. Then Alexander played unsuccessfully at home in Astana, Bublik knocked out Griekspoor, but could not cope with Hurkacz. In Florence, he reached the quarterfinals, where he unexpectedly failed in three sets to Wolf, 6-3, 5-7, 1-6. Obviously, Bublik's current tonus is better than Karatsev's.

Karatsev's form is disappointing. Making predictions on Aslan is a very risky venture, especially in a match against Bublik, who plays quite well on the indoors and has a good practice in October. We do not expect a long match, we predict the victory of the Kazakhstani in two sets, as it was in May 2021 in Madrid.

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