Rublev or Tsitsipas?

Neither Rafa nor Djokovic are in the Monte Carlo Masters final. It’s all about Rublev or Tsitsipas. Who’s your pick?

I don’t think that many predicted a final where you ask: “Rublev or Tsitsipas” but Rublev has been exceptional on anything else but Grand Slam level and Tsitsipas enjoys playing at home in Monte Carlo, so perhaps it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise either. Both are after all consistent top ten players.

Who will win? Rublev is a slim favorite in the odds and as you can see on the ATP website, the head to head is 3-3. This means this is pretty much a coin toss or a slot spin at Realcasinoscanada. It’s impossible to predict who will react the best under the pressure of winning his first Masters’ title.

Tsitsipas has played less tennis

When it comes to freshness, it’s likely that Tsitsipas has a little more energy left in the tank. He hasn’t dropped a set all week, while Rublev has fought like a lion to win matches against Bautista-Agut and Nadal. Does it matter in a best of three sets match? Perhaps not.

I do have a feeling that Tsitsipas is the player in the strongest form. His win against Dan Evans in the semi-finals was very convincing, while Rublev struggled a bit more against Casper Ruud.

Still, it will likely boil down to: 

1. Who wants it the most
2. Who can handle nerves the best

Rublev is a machine on anything below Masters’ level but has found it tough to beat the best at the strongest tournaments in the world. His impressive win against Nadal is maybe a sign that things are about to change? On the other hand, we have been waiting for Tsitsipas to make a big stride on tour ever since he won the ATP Finals in 2019. Is this his year? We will see in a few hours.

Who do you pick to lift the trophy? Rublev or Tsitsipas?

Related reading:

What racquet does Rublev use?
What racquet does Tsitsipas use?