By Tony Fairbairn
- Liam Broady [Q] def Pedro Cachin 6-4 6-0
- Broady v Andrey Rublev [1] | H2H: First Meeting
HONG KONG, CHINA – Liam Broady thrashed Pedro Cachin with the loss of four games to set up a second round clash against top seed Andrey Rublev.
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Liam Broady [Q] def Pedro Cachin 6-4 6-0
Liam Broady is into the second round in Hong Kong after thrashing Pedro Cachin in an impressive performance that lasted 71 minutes. The Brit had a breakthrough season in 2023 and continued that momentum by qualifying for Hong Kong. That qualifying campaign helped him gain confidence which aided him in the early stages of this match as he broke Cachin in the opening game.
The Brit would consolidate the break comfortably before threatening another break of serve as Cachin failed to consistently dominate on serve. However Cachin is known for his resilience and ability to frustrate his opponents which is exactly what he did against Broady as he held onto his serve before breaking back for 2-2.
This would be a testing match for Broady but after a love service hold to each player, the Brit resumed his confident hitting from the baseline as he cruised to another break of serve in the seventh game for a 4-3 lead.
Broady continued to be aggressive throughout the remainder of the set but had to overcome one final test when serving for the set as Cachin created two break points. However the world number 108 saved both break points and closed out the set at the first time, taking the 46 minute affair 6-4.
In the second set, Broady went from strength to strength as Cachin failed to establish any real dominance on the match. The Brit hit 19 winners throughout the contest and was clinical in the second set as he converted all three of his break point opportunities. Only dropping four points in the second set, Broady clinched victory with a hold to love as he booked his place into the second round in Hong Kong.
Liam Broady [Q] v Andrey Rublev [1] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Liam Broady [Q] v Andrey Rublev [1] | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Hong Kong 2024 | Hong Kong, China |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $11,610 |
| Third on Centre Court (Not before 10:30 GMT) | TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
Next up for Broady is a big test as he takes on top seed and world number five Andrey Rublev.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2023)
| H2H: | Liam Broady (WR 108) | Andrey Rublev (WR 5) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 55.6 | 61.8 |
| Service Games Won % | 71.9 | 84.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 57.3 | 62.9 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.8 | 53 |
| Break Points Converted % | 44.1 | 39 |
Broady will need to be at the top of his game on return as he is facing one of the most efficient servers on the tour in Rublev.
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Playing styles and predictions
Rublev had another successful season in 2023, finishing inside the world’s top ten as well as winning two titles and reaching the quarter-finals at three of the four Grand Slam events. However last season ended on a sour note for Rublev as he failed to win a match at the Nitto ATP Finals and the world number eight will look to rectify his form at the start of the season as he looks to achieve new goals in 2024.
Broady will look to aggressive on return as he looks to test Rublev’s defensive skillset with the Brit aiming to use depth in order to put Rublev on the back foot. Meanwhile Rublev will look to dictate on the first serve as he looks to use his ferocious power off both wings to dominate play, therefore neutralising Broady’s baseline tennis. This is a tough match for Broady but if there is a time to play Rublev then the first match of the season may be that time as Rublev may be caught cold and is more likely to commit unforced errors.
Prediction: Rublev in three sets.
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