Pavel Kotov vs Alexander Bublik Prediction & Picks - ATP Lyon Open

Pavel Kotov got the job done, after a first-set battle, in rather simple fashion against Alexandre Muller, but this is unoubtedly a step up, even if Bublik turns out to be not at his best. The Russian doesn't have the best record against higher-ranked players either, while despite never being able to fully trust him, Bublik looked in red-hot form against Vukic, showing plenty of his typical swagger, winning with a flourish. If he turns up in the same form here, it's hard to see him coming unstuck, which is why it's a little surprising that the Kazakh player is considered a narrow outsider. I think the early market is pricing this match with Kotov at his best and Bublik at his worst, and the world number 19 looked nowhere near his worst yesterday. We've seen just how capable the 26-year-old is in recent weeks, with him beating the likes of Ben Shelton, so don't be surprised if he upsets the early odds here. Admittedly, it takes a brave man to bet on a player as inconsistent at Bublik, but with what must be considered a generous early price available, I am that brave man. Our Prediction: Alexander Bublik to Win.