Andrey Rublev is showing signs of rallying on Far East trip

China Open
WTA: BT Sport 1, 5.30am Thursday
ATP: Sky Arena, 7.30am

Andrey Rublev has taken time to rediscover winning form after a debilitating back problem this summer, but the Russian may be about to turn a corner judging by his first-round performance in Beijing this week.

Rublev saw off Joao Sousa, who has enjoyed a decent campaign, 6-0 6-4 in his China Open curtain-raiser and after a succession of disappointments in recent months, that has to go down as a positive result for the 20-year-old.

It could also be a boost for Rublev supporters that fourth seed Fabio Fognini, who the Musco­vite opens against, had a busy time of it last week in Chengdu, where he found Bernie Tomic too good in the final.

Daniil Medvedev could make life tough for Milos Raonic in their Tokyo Open quarter-final, but quotes of 8-15 about the Russian winning at least a set are too short.

Recommendation
A Rublev
1pt 11-10 Coral, Ladbrokes

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