Young Guns Rublev and Korda to Battle out Final

October 15, 2022

World number nine Andrey Rublev and up-and-coming American Sebastian Korda will be the protagonists of a historic first-ever Gijon Open - ATP 250 final.

Rublev Favourite Going In

Currently at #6 in the Race to Turin, Rublev is looking to garner some all-important points to cement his spot at the year-end tournament. Playing his sixteenth career final, the top seed in Gijón is unbeaten in finals in 2022 and looking to add to the three titles he has won this year: indoor hardcourt in Marseille, outdoor hardcourt in Dubai and a clay-court title in Belgrade.

Korda, in contrast, is playing in his maiden final of 2022 and aiming to win his first title since he captured the Parma 250 title in May of 2021.

This will be the second encounter between the two players with Rublev holding a 1-0 head-to-head lead. Their only ever meeting was a hard-fought quarterfinal in at the Miami Masters 1000 last year, with Rublev winning the tight contest 7-5 7-6(7).

When quizzed about his potential rival Rublev said that Korda “is playing so well” and that “I have to do my best and that’s it. If I lose, I lose. If I win, perfect.”

Korda by his own admission loves playing on indoor hardcourts and fanciees his chances going into the inaugural singles final played in Gijón.

“The key will to be to play my game. I know it will be difficult but I really believe in myself and I believe I can win tomorrow.”

How did they get here?

Both players come into the final off straight-sets semis wins, although it was by no means smooth sailing in other rounds, with both players tested en route to the final. Here's a look back at each player's performance this week.

Rublev: Road to the Final
R1: Bye
R2: def. Ilya Ivashka 6-3 6-7(5) 6-4
QF: def. Tommy Paul (USA) [5] 6-3 7-6(3)
SF: def. Dominic Thiem (AUT) [PR] 6-4 6-4

Korda:: Road to the Final
R1: def. Jaume Munar (ESP) 6-4 6-1
R2: def. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) 5-7 6-4 6-4
QF: def. Andy Murray (GBR) 6-4 1-6 6-1
SF: def. Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) 7-6(2) 6-3

The singles final will begin upon the conclusion of the men’s doubles final match, which is scheduled to start at 11.00am.