It’s a very stacked day of ATP tennis in Doha as all second-round matches will be completed. Sensational Australian Open semifinalist, Aslan Karatsev, takes on top seeds Dominic Thiem in one of the matches of the day. Who do you think will advance? We also predict the day’s other four matches, including Roger Federer’s long-awaited return.
ATP Doha Day 3 Predictions
Malek Jaziri vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Head-to-head: Basilashvili 1-0
A matchup between two players who have been struggling for a while now. Nikoloz Basilashvili broke a losing streak of five in the opening round, while Malek Jaziri fended off lucky loser Norbert Gombos in surprisingly comfortable fashion. This is likely to get extremely messy but it would seem that the Georgian has more to offer at respective stages of their careers. Jaziri’s fitness is also in doubt, having issues in that department in the past few seasons.
Prediction: Basilashvili in 3
Alexander Bublik vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: Bublik 1-0
Alexander Bublik carries a head-to-head win from five years ago. What was then a huge surprise, looks so much different in hindsight when we see the extent of the Kazakh’s development. Roberto Bautista Agut wasn’t overly convincing in his opening-round win over Reilly Opelka and Bublik should have a pretty decent chance to score the upset here. Relatively fast conditions should aid his serve and give him an even better shot.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Marton Fucsovics vs Lloyd Harris
Head-to-head: Harris 1-0
Lloyd Harris defeated Marton Fucsovics two years ago in Chengdu and is coming off a great win over Stan Wawrinka. The South African will be hoping that Fucsovics won’t be 100% fit after a long week at Rotterdam. But if the Hungarian’s form is somewhat close to what saw him finish runner-up there, he should get the win.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 3
Dominic Thiem vs Aslan Karatsev
Head-to-head: First meeting
Will Aslan Karatsev be able to draw on his Australian Open success? It’s too early to tell yet as his opening-round win against a Qatari wildcard Mubarak Shannan Zayid wasn’t a great reflection of his level. This will tell us much more but it’s also a huge step up in competition. It remains a mystery if Karatsev will be able to compete at the highest level consistently. Dominic Thiem’s experience could help him get through if the Russian is not quite up to his best. This is a must-watch.
Prediction: Thiem in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
