Are you ready for the blockbuster clash in Doha? Former world number 5 Andrey Rublev is all set to face the Canadian pro-Felix Auger-Aliassime in the SF of the 2025 Qatar Open. Rublev won this tournament in the 2020 season when it was an ATP 250 event. He’ll be keen to become the first player to win the Qatar Open in both categories, as it’s an ATP 500 event now. Auger-Aliassime, on the other hand, hasn’t had to do much to make it to the semis in Qatar. He got walkovers in two out of his three matches. The Canadian himself admitted, “It’s weird at the same time because I’m fresh.“ Can he overcome the Russian challenge in the SF?

Andrey Rublev vs Felix Auger-Aliassime: Preview

Andrey Rublev converted the 8th match point in a dramatic QF clash against Australia’s Alex de Minaur to book his spot in the semis. He defeated the Aussie by 6-1,3-6,7-6(8). Rublev clinched his last ATP 500 title in Dubai in 2022 and his last hard court title triumph came in January 2024 at the Hong Kong Open. Can he turn things around with yet another impressive performance in Doha?

His opponent, Felix Auger-Aliassime has played only one full match in this tournament. He received a walkover from Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic in the R16 and then in the QF, Auger-Aliassime needed just one set against Daniil Medvedev to book his spot in the SF. Medvedev withdrew from this match due to food poisoning. Hence, this leaves the Canadian star a bit untested in this event. 

Rublev vs Auger-Aliassime: Head-to-Head

Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime have faced each other quite a few times in their careers so far. Currently, the Russian has a 5-1 lead over Auger-Aliassime in the H2H.

• 2024 ATP Masters 1000 Madrid Final: Rublev 4-6,7-5,7-5.
• 2024 Rotterdam R16: Rublev 3-6,7-6(6),7-5.
• 2022 Marseille Final: Rublev 7-5,7-6(4).
• 2022 Rotterdam SF: Auger-Aliassime 6(5)-7,6-4,6-2.
• 2020 Adelaide SF: Rublev 7-6(5). 6(7)-7, 6-4.
• 2018 Umag R16: Rublev 6-4,6(4)-7,6-3.

Prediction: Rublev to win in three sets

Felix Auger-Aliassime may have already won two titles this season, but we must not forget Andrey Rublev’s record in this tournament. Apart from winning the title in 2020, he also made it to the final in the 2018 season. Even in the H2H record, as we saw above, he has a clear-cut edge over the Canadian.

However, if we look at the numbers for the 205 season, Rublev (10) currently has a win-loss record of 7-4, whereas it’s 12-3 for Auger-Aliassime! Looking at his form this season, the Canadian is likely to put up a strong fight against Rublev, so a three-setter is definitely a big possibility.

Talking about their playing styles, Felix Auger Aliassime is an all-round player. He possesses a strong serve and his favorite shot is the forehand. He has already hit 161 aces this season! Apart from that, he can also cover the court pretty fast and can generate power easily off both wings. However, at times, he’s prone to committing unforced errors. This 24-year-old loves to play with high intensity and this, at times, wears down his opponents pretty quickly.

Andrey Rublev, on the other hand,  is an offensive baseliner with a big forehand and he also has a dangerous and consistent two-handed backhand. However, despite the power, Rublev is often hyper-aggressive in his matches. This, at times, leads to a high number of unforced errors.

If Andrey Rublev manages to keep his cool, there is no one stopping this talented Russian from securing his spot in the final yet again in the Qatar Open. The prediction is for Rublev to win in a three-setter.