Rublev Faces Cobolli in China Open Showdown

BEIJING, China — Andrey Rublev and Flavio Cobolli are set for a thrilling match in the Round of 32 at the 2025 China Open on September 26. Rublev, the sixth seed, looks to advance against the unseeded Cobolli after their earlier encounter this year, where Cobolli emerged victorious.

Rublev, a seasoned ATP player, has had a mixed season so far. He reached the Round of 16 in three major tournaments and won the Qatar Open in February but struggled thereafter, finishing as the runner-up in Hamburg before reaching the quarterfinals in Toronto and Cincinnati. His current success rate stands at 61.5% this season.

Meanwhile, Cobolli, a rising star, has gained attention for his impressive performances. The 23-year-old, currently ranked No. 25, has won two titles this year in Bucharest and Hamburg and is enjoying a solid record of 27 wins against 20 losses for the season. Known for his powerful serving, Cobolli reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals and aimed to build on that success despite a recent defeat in the Laver Cup.

In their previous match at the Bitpanda Hamburg Open, Cobolli defeated Rublev in straight sets, giving him a 1-0 advantage in their head-to-head record. However, this upcoming match takes place on hard courts, which may favor Rublev’s style of play.

Both players are known for their baseline strategies. While Rublev excels in flat exchanges, Cobolli’s strong serve could pose a challenge. Betting odds indicate that Rublev is favored with a 65% chance of winning, reflecting his experience in similar high-stakes matches.

As anticipation builds for the match in Beijing, all eyes will be on whether Rublev can overcome his earlier defeat to Cobolli and secure a spot in the next round against either Francisco Cerundolo or Learner Tien.