There are some big names at the ATP Rotterdam event this year and we can watch some great matchups already in the first few days. The indoor hard courts of the Rotterdam Ahoy are famous for rewarding big servers and aggressive baseliners, and today’s lineup features exactly that.
Here are the previews and our betting picks for Bublik vs Hurkacz and Auger-Aliassime vs Popyrin.
Alexander Bublik vs Hubert Hurkacz
Time: Not before 14:30 local time Head-to-Head: Hurkacz leads 6–1
Alexander Bublik (more here on Bublik’s racquet) arrives as the no 3 seed and now a top-10 player, having recently found a new level of consistency to match his talent. However, he faces a tough matchup in Hubert Hurkacz, showing not at least in their H2H.
While Bublik thrives on chaos and trick shots, Hurkacz is one of the few players who can match his serving power while remaining stoic. The Pole’s 6–1 lead in their head-to-head suggests he has the defensive capabilities and the return depth to neutralise some of Bublik’s dropshots and variety of shots.
Hurkacz is still in the middle of a comeback from a significant injury layoff in late 2025. He appeared slightly “rusty” in his recent outings, which might give the in-form Bublik his best chance to narrow the H2H gap.
What about the conditions? The fast indoor surface at Rotterdam is a playground for both. Expect a high percentage of unreturned serves and likely at least one tiebreak.
Prediction: Hurkacz’s mental edge in this matchup is hard to ignore and if he has a high first-serve percentage he can win this again. Bublik is the most match-fit though and has reached a much higher level compared to the time of their previous clashes. Bublik to win and reach the next round.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Alexei Popyrin
Time: Not before 19:30 local time Head-to-Head: Popyrin leads 2–0
The evening session features a fascinating contrast: the in-form #2 seed and defending Montpellier champion, Felix Auger-Aliassime, against a man who has historically had his number, Alexei Popyrin.
FAA is one of the best indoor hard-court players on the tour when he is in form. He just won his ninth career title in Montpellier last week (eight of which have come indoors), his serve and forehand seem very effective in these conditions.
H2H: Despite Felix’s status as the favorite, Alexei Popyrin has won both of their previous professional meetings (Adelaide and Rome, 2023).
These two players are on opposite trajectories. Felix is on a four-match winning streak, while Popyrin has struggled for form early in 2026, failing to record a main-draw win so far this season. Main concern is if Felix will drop his level slightly following a title.
Prediction: While Popyrin clearly can beat Felix, the Canadian’s current confidence on indoor hard courts is just too good and we expect Felix to take one back in their h2h with a straight-sets victory today.
