They have both lifted trophies on the ATP Tour, but on Sunday, Kyle Edmund and Andrey Rublev will duel for a piece of Challenger silverware. The stage is set for a highly entertaining clash as the British No. 1 squares off against the 21-year-old Russian star.
Edmund, who celebrated his maiden ATP Tour title in Antwerp last year, will meet 2017 Umag champ Rublev for just the second time in their budding careers. Their lone previous encounter came in qualifying of the 2015 Irving Challenger, which Edmund clinched 6-1, 6-4.
Both the Brit and the Russian are hoping their respective runs to final in Indian Wells will propel them to ATP Masters 1000 success in the coming weeks. In search of match play and confidence, Edmund is returning from a knee injury while Rublev is battling back from a persistent back ailment. Their strong performances in the desert are encouraging signs as they look to return to form and continue their ATP Rankings assaults.
Edmund, who sits at No. 27, advanced to the final with a three-set victory over Lloyd Harris. Rublev, meanwhile, will return to the Top 100 with a victory on Sunday. The former World No. 31 lifted his lone Challenger trophy three years ago in Quimper, France.
[ALSO LIKE]
