Andrey Rublev to Make Waves at the US Open

Andrey Rublev’s quarter-final exit at Wimbledon this year marks his fourth defeat at the same stage in his previous five Grand Slam appearances. The Russian has yet to make it beyond this stage but is due a breakthrough tournament at the US Open.

Russian on the Rise

There is plenty of elite tennis taking place in North America as we build up to the US Open, with the tennis odds this week from Betfair including some major clashes in the ATP Toronto and WTA Montreal. Rublev is currently at 17/1 to come out on top in Canada, trailing Alexander Zverev (14/1) and Daniil Medvedev (4/1).

With such a strong field, the competition could prove the perfect warm-up for the fourth and final major of the year. The 25-year-old has been knocked out at the same stage in both the Australian Open and Wimbledon but will be hoping he can go a step further in the US Open.

Rublev looked in fine form at Wimbledon, losing to eventual runner-up Novak Djokovic after taking a one-set lead. He has gone from strength to strength since, beating Zverev en route to the Swedish Open final.

Rublev has performed with a remarkable level of consistency at Grand Slam events in the previous few years and is very rarely outside the top eight. However, he will be desperate to break his quarter-final curse as he goes in search of a top five spot in the world rankings.

Rublev’s US Open Form

Rublev’s defeat to Djokovic in London was the seventh Grand Slam quarter-final defeat in his previous 13 appearances, including two at the US Open. Despite struggling to cement himself among the favourites, he has typically performed at his best in New York.

Rublev has appeared at every US Open since 2015 – it is the Grand Slam he has competed in most – registering three quarter-final finishes during that time. The Russian was particularly impressive last year, cruising past Cam Norrie before eventually being bested by Frances Tiafoe in an incredibly tight affair that finished 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.

Grand Slam Expectations

It is about time Rublev made some serious waves at a Grand Slam event, and the 2023 US Open might be just the time to do so. With 17 victories, he has won more matches at the US Open than on any other major stage, boasting a 71% win percentage in Queens.

There aren’t too many holes in Rublev’s game: he has everything he needs to mount a challenge. A powerful serve and massive forehand can sometimes be undone by a tendency to be over-aggressive. If he can retain his offensive baseline style and limit the number of unforced errors in his game, it won’t be long before we see the number seven climb into the top five and get his hands on a Grand Slam trophy.