China Open 2024: Andrey Rublev vs Yunchaokete Bu preview

Match Details

• Fixture: Andrey Rublev (4) vs Yunchaokete Bu
• Date: September 30, 2024
• Tournament: China Open 2024
• Round: Quarterfinals
• Venue: National Tennis Center, Beijing, China
• Category: ATP 500
• Surface: Hard-court
• Prize Money: $3,720,165
• Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – Sky Sports | Canada – TSN

As the 2024 China Open moves into its decisive stages, Andrey Rublev, the fourth seed, is set to face Chinese wildcard Yunchaokete Bu in the quarterfinals. This exciting matchup is one of the most highly anticipated encounters of the tournament, pitting an in-form Rublev against an emerging Chinese talent in Bu.

Andrey Rublev’s Season So Far

Rublev enters this quarterfinal match in Beijing riding on a wave of momentum. The Russian has compiled a solid 2024 season with a 39-18 record, having won two titles this year at the Hong Kong Open and the Madrid Open. These victories have solidified Rublev’s place among the top players on the ATP Tour, with a ranking of World No. 6.

Rublev has also demonstrated excellent form on hard courts this year, reaching the final at the Canadian Open. His run there saw him defeating some of the best players in the world, including an impressive win over Jannik Sinner, one of the hardest players to beat on this surface. In the final, he narrowly lost to Alexei Popyrin in a hard-fought battle.

His performance at the US Open, however, saw him bowing out in the fourth round after a grueling five-set match against Grigor Dimitrov. Despite the loss, Rublev has quickly rebounded, and his campaign at the China Open has been strong. He advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating two Spanish players, Pablo Carreno Busta and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, in straight sets.

Rublev’s 65% win rate on hard courts this season demonstrates his ability to perform consistently on this surface. He will be keen to build on his momentum and advance to the semifinals of the China Open.

Andrey Rublev last week and will face Yunchaokete Bu today at China Open.

🎥 @feisty.sofia.kenin (IG) pic.twitter.com/EssXiBSKTZ

— Perfect Tennis (@perfecttennisuk) September 30, 2024

Yunchaokete Bu’s Journey in 2024

While Rublev boasts more experience on the ATP Tour, Yunchaokete Bu, the home favorite, has been making waves recently. The Chinese player has played just seven matches on Tour in 2024, winning four of them. Despite limited exposure on the biggest stage, Bu has shown flashes of brilliance, especially during his semifinal run at the Hangzhou Open earlier this year.

At the Hangzhou Open, Bu defeated the second-seeded Karen Khachanov before losing in the semifinals to compatriot Zhang Zhizhen. The 21-year-old Chinese player has also earned three titles on the Challenger Tour this year, two of which were on hard courts. His victories in China and Canada over players like Egor Gerasimov and Terence Atmane illustrate his growing confidence on this surface.

Bu entered the China Open as a wildcard and has already made a significant impact. In the first round, he defeated Chengdu Open champion Juncheng Shang in straight sets, setting up a second-round encounter with sixth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti. Bu stunned the Italian, pulling off an upset win to reach consecutive ATP Tour quarterfinals.

Head-to-Head: Rublev vs Bu

This quarterfinal meeting will be the first time Andrey Rublev and Yunchaokete Bu face off on the ATP Tour. As a result, there are no past matches between the two players to analyze, but their contrasting styles promise to make this a thrilling contest.

Rublev vs Bu: What the Odds Say

As one of the top seeds and a more experienced player, Rublev enters the match as the favorite. According to BetMGM, Rublev’s moneyline is set at -350, while Bu is the underdog at +240.

Given Rublev’s track record and his consistent performance on hard courts, many expect him to have the upper hand. However, Bu’s recent surge in form, coupled with the home crowd’s support, could make this a closer contest than the odds suggest.

Expert Comment

“Rublev’s experience and consistent performance on the ATP Tour make him the clear favorite. But Bu has nothing to lose and everything to gain, which makes him a dangerous opponent. Rublev must stay focused and not underestimate the Chinese wildcard,” says ATP commentator James Hardy.

Bu’s Rise in Chinese Tennis

Yunchaokete Bu is part of a new wave of Chinese tennis players making their mark on the international stage. With Zhang Zhizhen and Juncheng Shang also competing at a high level, Chinese tennis is experiencing a resurgence. Bu’s wildcard entry into the China Open has given him a platform to showcase his talent, and his victories over top players like Khachanov and Musetti demonstrate his potential to challenge the top seeds.

Bu has yet to reach an ATP final, but his success on the Challenger Tour suggests that it is only a matter of time before he breaks through on the main stage. His journey at the China Open has already provided valuable experience, and a win against Rublev would be a monumental step forward in his career.

Hard Court Specialists

Both Rublev and Bu have shown proficiency on hard courts this season. Rublev has won 10 of his 15 career ATP finals on hard courts, including his title run at the Hong Kong Open earlier this year. Meanwhile, Bu’s success on the Challenger Tour has been built on hard-court titles, with three ITF titles on this surface to his name.

While Rublev’s hard-court pedigree is well established, Bu’s ability to perform under pressure on home soil remains a key factor in this match. The Chinese player will have the crowd on his side, and his aggressive style of play could push Rublev to his limits.

Betting Analysis

For those looking to bet on the match, Rublev is the safer option given his experience and higher ranking. However, the odds for Bu present an intriguing opportunity for those who believe the young Chinese player can continue his Cinderella run at the China Open.

Rublev’s strong baseline game and powerful forehand will be key weapons, but he must be wary of Bu’s ability to dictate play with his serve and forehand. If Bu can keep the match close and take advantage of the home crowd’s energy, he has the potential to push Rublev to three sets.

Prediction: Rublev to Win in Three Sets

Andrey Rublev is expected to win the match, but it may not be straightforward. Yunchaokete Bu’s recent form and the support of the Chinese crowd could make this a tightly contested battle. While Rublev has the experience and skill to prevail, Bu’s confidence and growing reputation suggest that he will not go down without a fight.

Given Bu’s recent success and Rublev’s consistent performance on hard courts, a three-set match seems likely, with Rublev ultimately securing the win and advancing to the semifinals of the China Open.