The second-round matches will be played on Day 3 of the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, and the schedule is packed with thrilling encounters throughout the day. This article features two former champions, Daniil Medvedev and Stan Wawrinka, who face off for a spot in the quarterfinals. But who will come out on top?
ATP Dubai Day 3 Predictions
Jiri Lehecka vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jiri Lehecka’s first-round opponent changed from Arthur Fils to Luca Nardi as Fils withdrew from the tournament with a hip injury, and lucky loser Nardi had Lehecka on the ropes for the first set and a half. Lehecka did well to save multiple break points in the second set and, from then on, was the more consistent player. Pablo Carreno Busta got one of his best wins in recent times as he improved his head-to-head against Denis Shapovalov to 6-2. It was a classic performance from the Spaniard, who was like a wall and made it hard for Shapovalov to hit winners. Lehecka has to avoid overhitting and play with consistency to win this match.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-Head: Khachanov 1-1 Brooksby
Karen Khachanov had to work hard but was off the mark in his 10th main-draw appearance at this prestigious tournament. Khachanov saved all the break points in the second and third sets to keep Alexander Shevchenko at bay and won the match. Jenson Brooksby played a great match to easily defeat Zizou Bergs in straight sets and snap his four-match losing streak. Khachanov will have to be at his best to come through this one.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Head-to-Head: Auger-Aliassime 2-1 Perricard
Top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime played a flawless match to beat Zhizhen Zhang in the first round. The Canadian was super aggressive all match and dictated the flow brilliantly. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard hit 29 aces to edge out the victory against Moez Echargui. This match will be dominated by serve, but Auger-Aliassime will back himself to create some opportunities in the Frenchman’s service games. Even if he doesn’t, I like his chances in the tiebreak.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Stan Wawrinka
Head-to-Head: Medvedev 3-2 Wawrinka
Daniil Medvedev defeated Juncheng Shang for the second time in nine days, but this time he lost two fewer games. Medvedev made 73% of his first serves and was hitting his spots. However, the second serve is still shaky, and that’s where Stan Wawrinka will look to hurt the Russian player. Wawrinka is playing well at the moment, and if he serves well, he has a genuine shot to make this close. I will still go with Medvedev’s superior baseline game and rally tolerance.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
