Cincinnati Open 2021 SF: Daniil Medvedev vs Andrey Rublev Preview, Prediction, & Live Stream

Cincinnati prepares for some jaw-dropping tennis, as the Western and Southern Open enters its final course. After an epic showdown in the quarters, fans now wait for a nail-biting semi-final round. Top seed Daniil Medvedev gears up to face his Russian compatriot, Andrey Rublev, as they battle it out for a place in the all-important final.

The two athletes have been in fine form all throughout this year. They kick-started their Cincinnati campaign, coming on the back of an immensely tough but decorated season.

Notably, Andrey tasted gold in the mixed doubles category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making him one to look out for here. However, the spotlight remains on Daniil Medvedev after his title-winning campaign at the National Bank Open. Undoubtedly, running high on confidence, both the giants will lock horns in a worthwhile battle.

Daniil Medvedev vs Andrey Rublev: Preview, Head-to-Head, & Predictions

Daniil has emerged as a popular face on the ATP tour, rising through the ranks over the years. In yet another emphatic display, he lived up to his World No. 2 stature, as he progressed to the semi-final round in Cincinnati. He walks into the clash, courtesy of back-to-back straight-set wins in all three of his outings. Hence, fans already expect another title on its way.

Aug 19, 2021; Mason, OH, USA; Daniil Medvedev (RUS) in action during his match against Grigor Dimitrov (BUL, not pictured) during the Western and Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

However, not far behind, his fellow Russian has played on an equally high level. The World No. 7 has been in sublime touch, carrying forward his Olympic form in the tournament. Notably, the 23-year-old has defeated some of the veterans on tour, like Gael Monfils and Benoit Paire, making his way to the top of the charts. However, Andrey now lines up to face a familiar opponent who has proven to get the better of him in the past.

Aug 12, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Andrey Rublev of Russia returns a ball to John Isner of the United States (not pictured) at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Both the ATP stars share an on-court history that Rublev would best wish to forget. The Russians have met four times, with Daniil being the dominant force throughout. Their most recent clash was in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Australian Open, where Daniil whitewashed the youngster, recording a straight-set victory.

Regardless, a surprise might just be on the cards as Rublev looks for redemption.

Prediction: Daniil def. Andrey in straight-sets.

Cincinnati Open 2021: Live Streaming, When and Where to Watch

Excited fans in the US can watch the Cincinnati tournament on the Tennis Channel. Prime Video will telecast the game for the UK and Ireland fans.

Australian fans can enjoy the action on beIn, while Canadian fans can tune in to TVA Sports, DAZN, TSN to catch the game live.

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iQIYI will come to the rescue of tennis fans in China. Meanwhile, Central and South American fans can broadcast the event on ESPN.

When the two met in the quarters at Cincinnati, back in 2019, Daniil knocked Rublev out in enthralling fashion. Can he do the same again? Or will Andrey get his revenge this time around?

Read more: How does Rafael Nadal’s Exit From the US Open Affect the Race to Turin?

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