The China Open continues this week with exciting matchups as Daniil Medvedev faces Gael Monfils and Andrey Rublev takes on Pablo Carreno Busta in the round of 32.
Daniil Medvedev vs. Gael Monfils
Daniil Medvedev enters the tournament with a solid 39-16 record, but he has yet to secure a title this year. Despite strong showings, including a runner-up finish at the Australian Open and Indian Wells Masters, Medvedev has struggled recently, experiencing early exits in Montreal and Cincinnati, and a quarterfinal defeat to Jannik Sinner at the US Open. The hard courts in Beijing, which are not particularly fast, may provide him the space he needs to regain his form after a three-match losing streak.
Gael Monfils, the 38-year-old Frenchman, brings a positive 21-19 record to the match, having reached two semifinals this season in Qatar and Mallorca. He demonstrated his capabilities with a stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Cincinnati. Although Monfils faced a tough second-round exit at the US Open, his experience and flair for the dramatic mean he won’t be intimidated by this matchup.
Verdict: Medvedev is favored to win in straight sets (64/100).
The head-to-head record between the two stands at two wins apiece, with Medvedev winning their most recent encounter at the Monte Carlo Masters. Notably, Monfils leads their hardcourt rivalry 2-1. This match is expected to be a thrilling contest, with Monfils’ aggressive style playing into Medvedev’s strengths as a counterpuncher.
Andrey Rublev vs. Pablo Carreno Busta
Andrey Rublev has had an up-and-down season, bringing a 37-18 record into the tournament, with titles in Hong Kong and Madrid. While he performed well during the North American hardcourt swing, his Grand Slam results have been disappointing, highlighted by a tumultuous exit at the US Open where he struggled both physically and mentally. This match marks his return since that defeat, making his mindset a key factor.
Pablo Carreno Busta, a former two-time US Open semifinalist, is back in action after a six-month recovery from elbow surgery. He began the season slowly but has recently found his stride, reaching the round of 16 in Cincinnati and making a semifinal appearance in Winston-Salem. Despite a first-round loss at the US Open, he poses a significant challenge for Rublev.
Verdict: Rublev is expected to win in three sets (26/10).
Rublev leads their head-to-head rivalry 2-0, though their last meeting was in 2019. With both players capable of long rallies, this match could stretch out, but Rublev’s superior conditioning may see him through to victory.
As the tournament progresses, tennis fans will be eager to see how these matches unfold at the China Open!
