Indian Wells 2021: Andrey Rublev vs Tommy Paul preview, head-to-head & prediction | BNP Paribas Open
Match details
Fixture: (4) Andrey Rublev vs Tommy Paul
Date: 11 October 2021
Tournament: BNP Paribas Open
Round: Third round (Round of 32)
Venue: Indian Wells, USA
Category: ATP 1000
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize money: $9,146,125
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel & ESPN | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Andrey Rublev vs Tommy Paul preview
Fourth seed Andrey Rublev will take on home-favorite Tommy Paul in an exciting third-round contest at the 2021 BNP Paribas Open on Monday.
Rublev registered a convincing 6-3, 6-4 win over Carlos Taberner in the second round. The Russian has suffered a few early exits in recent tournaments -- including the US Open -- and will be hopeful of putting up a better performance at Indian Wells.
Paul, meanwhile, has posted a couple of solid wins in Indian Wells already. He battled past Feliciano Lopez in his opener before dismantling Dusan Lajovic in the second round.
The American has had a mixed season in 2021, but a good run in his home event could set him up for a strong finish to the year.
Andrey Rublev vs Tommy Paul head-to-head
Andrey Rublev leads Tommy Paul in their current head-to-head by a comfortable 3-0 margin. Their most recent meeting came at the Madrid Open earlier this year, with the Russian winning in three tight sets.
Andrey Rublev vs Tommy Paul prediction
Neither player has played their best tennis in recent weeks, but they certainly possess the game to turn things around.
Rublev suffered surprise losses to the likes of Frances Tiafoe and Cameron Norrie in his last two appearances and the Russian will be desperate to rediscover some of the form he showed early on in the season.
Rublev's high-risk game hasn't worked as well as he would have liked of late, but he did look to be in control against Taberner in his Indian Wells opener.
For Paul, the key will be to prevent Rublev getting off to a hot start. The American served well in his first couple of matches and if he can do that against Rublev, he can pile pressure on the Russian.
But considering the firepower Rublev possesses off the ground, Paul might find himself outgunned. As long as the Russian plays at a decent level, he should be able to maintain his perfect record against the American.
Prediction: Andrey Rublev to win in three sets