Second-round action at the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships is packed with exciting matchups. One of those will see three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray lock horns with in-form Frenchman Ugo Humbert. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article. So, who do you think will reach the quarterfinals?
ATP Dubai Day 3 Predictions
Alexander Bublik vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Bublik 3-0 Griekspoor
The new version of Alexander Bublik is probably one of the best things happening in men’s tennis right now. He has invested his concentration into reading the patterns of a match much more shrewdly. And the results serve as a barometer of the progress he has made so far. He has already bagged an ATP title and reached at least a quarterfinal in two of the other four tournaments. He is on course to make it to another quarterfinal after securing a fine win over Tomas Machac in the first round at the Dubai Championships.
Wednesday will be a tougher test for Bublik. Griekspoor has steered his season on track after an inauspicious start at the United Cup. However, in three head-to-head meetings, the world #28 has been unsuccessful, possibly because of the Kazakh’s high-voltage shotmaking. Two of those three clashes were decided in two tie-break sets, so this will be open, with Bulbik holding a tiny bit of edge.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Jiri Lehecka
Head-to-head: Khachanov 2-0 Lehecka
Khachanov is seeking a rare double in the Middle East. After winning Doha last weekend, he is looking to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Daniil Medvedev, who won the two tournaments contested in the Gulf last season. Fatigue is a non-issue in this context because the world #15 only played three completed matches during his title-winning week in Qatar. Additionally, he produced a tremendous performance in swatting aside Luca Van Assche in his opener in Dubai. Jiri Lehcka is more than capable of being a pebble in Khachanov’s shoe but the Czech lacks the heavier artillery to match his opponent.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Sebastian Korda vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: van de Zandschulp 2-1 Korda
Sebastian Korda returned to winning ways with a routine 6-0 6-2 win over Pavel Kotov. It was the best tennis he put on show this year by a mile. Botic van de Zandschulp, meanwhile, upset sixth seed Adrian Mannarino in straight sets. The Dutchman made up for his shocking collapse in the match against Gael Monfils in Doha. He was far from profligate this time, converting three of four break points en route to a 7-6 7-5 win. Korda’s trademark consistency on serve and command of rallies has proved elusive for the most part in 2024. But he is resourceful and still possesses the tools to find solutions to win again.
Prediction: Korda in 2
Andy Murray vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-head: Murray 2-0 Humbert
Andy Murray recovered from a faltering start in his opening match against Denis Shapovalov to pick up just his second victory of 2024. After the match, the former World No. 1 hinted that he was inching closer to the retirement door. He’ll be savoring every moment between now and when he takes the plunge on his career. Murray has an unblemished record against Ugo Humbert, who, like Shapovalov, is also a lefty. But as one southpaw struggles with injuries and confidence, another has established himself as a name to watch this season. Humbert is sitting at a career-high ranking of No. 18 and is seeking double-digit match wins for the season already. His comeback win over Gael Monfils at this tournament will only add a further ripple of confidence into his game.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
Main Photo Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
