Adelaide International: Rublev vs Kokkinakis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Adelaide International 2 as Andrey Rublev takes on Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

Will Andrey Rublev pick up his first win of the season? or will Thanasi Kokkinakis keep his winning streak alive at the Adelaide International 2? This match pits the top seed and defending champion. Who will prevail?

Andrey Rublev did not have a smooth start to 2023, going down in three sets in Adelaide 1 to Roberto Bautista Agut. It was a frustrating way to kick things off for the new season and also given the short timeframe between now and the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne. Nevertheless, we should expect Rublev to return to winning ways very soon, but will it come at the Adelaide International 2 against Thanasi Kokkinakis?

Thanasi Kokkinakis was one of the ATP’s unexpected champions when he won the Adelaide International 2 last season as a wildcard. And he won’t be ready to relinquish his crown just yet as the Aussie won on his return to his home city on Monday, beating compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis in a thriller. Will Kokkinakis earn another memorable win when he faces top seed Andrey Rublev?

Andrey Rublev and Thanasi Kokkinakis have not played each other on the ATP Tour. Wednesday’s match at the Adelaide International 2 will be their first official meeting. Rublev will no doubt be the fresher of the two players after getting plenty of time to digest his opening-round loss in Adelaide 1 and refining his game. We still expect the defending champion to make life difficult for the Russian, but Rublev’s reliable forehand might just wear down Kokkinakis if this goes the distance.