We’re in Dubai this week and there is an incredibly stacked ATP 500 draw for us to sink our teeth into. On only the second day of play, we have last week’s Doha finalist Jakub Mensik coming up against former Cincinnati champion Borna Coric, plus we have world #3 Daniil Medvedev taking on recently turned Kazahkstani Alexander Shevchenko. These two matches alone would be enthralling enough but there are three more predicted in this article and four others predicted in our other article.
ATP Dubai Day 2 Predictions
Maximillian Marterer vs Christopher O’Connell
Head-to-head: Marterer 1-0 O’Connell
It’s been a rough stretch for Maximillian Marterer in ATP level events. He managed to break the top 100 again for the first time in five years, gaining him entry to those events, but he’s now on a six-match losing streak at this level after making the semis of Antwerp in October.
Christopher O’Connell is no slouch and is turning into an ATP regular. It feels as though he’ll handle the pressure of the match better than his opponent.
Prediction: O’Connell in 2
Borna Coric vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jakub Mensik is clearly a fantastic talent but he’s still young. It was a long gruelling week in Doha–even a step off his game, and Borna Coric will test the backhand skills of the young Czech relentlessly.
There probably won’t be much missing from Mensik’s game but Coric is the type of player that can capitalise on the slightest dip in fitness by locking in from the back of the court.
Prediction: Coric in 3
Jiri Lehecka vs Marton Fucsovics
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jiri Lehecka can be a stellar watch or an uncomfortable watch. It’s difficult to know how the Czech will play–his game looks solid and powerful enough but, almost inexplicably, he can dip in big moments from match to match.
Marton Fucsovics will be there if Lehecka’s off his game. He’s as solid as they come and won’t shy away from sitting back to watch the errors come off of his opponent’s racket. Lehecka should be fresh though and the conditions will be quick, allowing him to take control with his serve should he need to. We think it’ll only be stellar watches this week for the Adelaide champion.
Prediction: Lehecka in 2
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Fabian Marozsan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina actually has a losing record on hard courts at ATP level. He’s not far off 50-50 but it just goes to show all the flashiness from the back of the court can make him prone to hitting and missing frequently. His spot serving also needs some sharpening up.
Fabian Marozsan is too good a player not to get chances here. It’s pretty fast in Dubai so we’re tempted to say the huge-hitting Hungarian will capitalise on those chances.
Prediction: Marozsan in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-head: Medvedev 1-0 Shevchenko
Daniil Medvedev is back for the first time since the Australian Open. It’s fair to say the Russian is back to playing some of his best tennis on a hard court. With the conditions as fast as they are in Dubai, he’ll absolutely be in his element.
Alexander Shevchenko tested him the last time they played but that was on the clay of Madrid. Though Shevchenko is intimidating, Medvedev shouldn’t miss a beat here.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
