The highly competitive ATP 250 Stockholm Open quarterfinals on October 18, 2024, will be a clash between two players of a different breed, current world No. 7 Andrey Rublev of Russia and Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka, currently ranked No. 217. Rublev will go into this match on the back of a comprehensive straight-set win over Alexandre Muller, while Wawrinka was in fighting mode when he made his way past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in three stern sets. This will be an encounter promising fireworks, with Rublev's power game up against Wawrinka's finesse and grit. In head-to-heads, Wawrinka is leading 3-2, but in the recent meeting, Rublev took the triumph. The fast indoor courts of Stockholm are very much to the liking of both players' styles, just adding another layer of intrigue to this fascinating contest.
Claim Welcome BonusAndrey Rublev (Russia ATP #7)
Rublev will go into this match as the favourite, and perhaps his lead over the last 10 matches 6-4 is indicative of his better form coming into this one. His performances have been respectable, and he was quite impressive in the last match against Muller, where he dominated most key aspects of the match: a perfect 100% on break points saved, and an 86% first-serve win percentage. Against Wawrinka, he should aim to play powerfully on his forehand and control the rallies from the baseline.
The game plan for Rublev will be all about dictating the rhythm of the match. The powerful groundstrokes, particularly off the forehand wing, can push Wawrinka deep behind the baseline. Expect Rublev to continually test the Wawrinka backhand-even though the Swiss veteran's one-handed backhand is a weapon-as Wawrinka is likely to struggle with pace when forced onto his back foot. Rublev was also very consistent in returning second serves, winning 45% in his last match, which could put pressure on Wawrinka's often vulnerable second serve.
Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland ATP #217)
On the other hand, Wawrinka has been fighting his way into shape in recent matches. A tight three-set win over Davidovich Fokina showed his fitness and mental toughness are there, despite a 4-6 record in his last 10. He is well-served for this match-up—10 aces and 65% first serve in.
The only way Wawrinka can get into this rhythm is by creating a contrast of pace and also applying his slice to good effect. If he serves well, Wawrinka might just manage to take points away from extended rallies with his heavy forehand to take advantage of Rublev's tendency for playing reactive tennis during a rally. Considering how much experience Wawrinka has and how he can rise to big moments, one can expect him to try lengthening the rallies to bring inconsistency into Rublev's game-particularly on the Russian's second serve.
Expert Betting Tips
Rublev will have to dictate from the baseline in this encounter, with the eventuality of maintaining his form with the serve and converting decently on the break points. That should be more than enough to neutralize Wawrinka's experience and all-around game. For Wawrinka, he would need to fall back on his trademark resilience and tactical acumen, often by employing his one-handed backhand and slicing in order to get in the way of Rublev's rhythm.
- Andrey Rublev Win + Under 25.5 Games @ 1.654 Odds
- Under 22.5 Games @ 1.77 Odds
- Andrey Rublev Win 2-0 @ 1.72 Odds
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