Rotterdam R1 Predictions: Bublik vs. Hurkacz, Rinderknech vs. Tsitsipas Showdown

First-round matches are concluding in Rotterdam, featuring notable players Alexander Bublik and Arthur Rinderknech facing Hubert Hurkacz and Stefanos Tsitsipas, respectively.

Match Preview: Bublik vs. Hurkacz

Alexander Bublik, currently ranked No. 10 in the world, enters the ABN AMRO Open following a disappointing stint in the Davis Cup. He lost to Valentin Vacherot, which contributed to Kazakhstan’s early exit against Monaco. Historically, Bublik has struggled against Hubert Hurkacz, with a head-to-head record of 1-6. However, the 25-year-old had a strong season last year and has started 2026 with an 8-2 record, including a title in Hong Kong.

Conversely, Hurkacz has experienced a challenging start to the year. After a commendable performance leading Poland to the United Cup title, he fell to Ethan Quinn in the second round of the Australian Open and lost decisively to Martin Damm in Montpellier’s first round. The match is expected to be close due to both players’ serving abilities, but Bublik may hold a slight advantage.

• Bublik’s Key Stats:
  • Current Ranking: No. 10
  • 2026 Record: 8-2
  • Recent Title: Hong Kong
• Hurkacz’s Key Stats:
  • Current Ranking: No. 70
  • Recent Performances: United Cup champion, but early exits at Australian Open and Montpellier

Prediction

Bublik is favored to win this match, with a predicted outcome of Bublik in 3 sets.

Match Preview: Tsitsipas vs. Rinderknech

In an intriguing clash, Stefanos Tsitsipas will compete against Arthur Rinderknech. This marks Tsitsipas’s first encounter with Rinderknech, where he is now the unseeded player following a dip in his ranking to No. 32. Despite this setback, he maintains a solid early season record of 6-2, including a victory over Taylor Fritz at the United Cup.

Rinderknech, ranked No. 28, has faced difficulties since his runner-up finish in Shanghai against Vacherot. He has a dismal 4-6 record in his last 10 matches, with two wins against much lower-ranked opponents. Compounding his struggles, Rinderknech has never advanced beyond the first round in Rotterdam, losing all three previous matches played here.

• Tsitsipas’s Key Stats:
  • Current Ranking: No. 32
  • 2026 Record: 6-2
  • Notable Win: Taylor Fritz at United Cup
• Rinderknech’s Key Stats:
  • Current Ranking: No. 28
  • Recent Record: 4-6 in last 10 matches

Prediction

Tsitsipas is expected to prevail in this match, with a prediction of Tsitsipas in 2 sets.