TennisSection previews the 2022 Dubai Open as Andrey Rublev takes on Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinal on Friday, February 25th, 2022.
Andrey Rublev will lock horns against Hubert Hurkacz with his eyes set firmly on the prize on Saturday. Rublev will have the chance to win his second title if he can upend the Pole in a blockbuster last four showdown on Friday at the Dubai Open. Will the Russian avoid defeat?
Andrey Rublev has been the ATP’s most consistent performer at the 500-level, winning a multitude of titles in the past 18 months. He will have the chance to further solidify his status as the ATP’s kingpin in this category if he will win the Dubai Open title this weekend. Rublev extended his winning streak to seven matches after mounting a stirring fight back to defeat Mackenzie McDonald in three sets. Following Djokovic’s shock exit in the quarterfinals, the Russian has a less treacherous path to the title. But the Middle-Eastern swing has been one crazy ride this year, so do not be surprised if Hurbert Hurkacz tears the script apart on Friday.
Hubert Hurkacz, meanwhile, has found form at a crucial time. The Pole performed modestly at the Australian Open and on his last tournament in Rotterdam. But he has demonstrated some exceptional ball striking at the Dubai Open where he has looked unplayable for the most part. He eased his way into the last four without dropping a set and has not lost more than three games in a set all week. Hurkacz got the better of his friend Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals, winning 82% first-serve points and faced zero break points.
Hubert Hurkacz leads Andrey Rublev 2-0 in their head-to-head. Their only hard court meeting took place last season at the Miami Open where the Pole defeated the Russian in the semifinals en route to his first Masters 1000 title. A couple of weeks ago, Hurkacz was a train wreck, his form far from vintage. But remarkably, he enters Friday’s contest at the Dubai Open as the slight favorite. That probably has to do with his renaissance and Rublev’s fragile form. The Russian has been playing with fire and I doubt he will escape the flame this time.
Free Tennis Pick and Prediction: Hubert Hurkacz to win in 3 sets.
Want more Free Tennis Picks from our Experts? Check out our latest Tennis Predictions now!
Join TopCourt now to learn from some of the best tennis players in the world! Find our exclusive 14-day FREE-trial here!
All betting odds/banners presented on the site are advertisements. Opinions of our experts are solely opinions. Please gamble responsibly and BeGambleAware.org.
