There are lots of exciting matches on display on day 2 of the ATP Qatar ExxonMobil Open, including the match of the defending champion, Andrey Rublev, as he takes on Jesper de Jong. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but which players will advance?
ATP Doha Day 2 Predictions
Marton Fucsovics vs Hady Habib
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Marton Fucsovics suffered a bad loss last week in the first round in Rotterdam and finds himself desperate for some match wins. He has a good record here with three quarterfinal appearances and just one elimination in the first round. Hady Habib has not won a tour-level match since last year’s Australian Open, but he can play some inspired tennis at times. This is a match and occasion where I expect Habib to show up, but Fucsovics is still the better player and should win.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 3
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Quentin Halys
Head-to-Head: Carreno Busta 0-1 Halys
This is a match in which neither player is playing well, but they are capable of turning it up on their day. Pablo Carreno Busta came through in straight sets in both his qualifying matches, while Quentin Halys came in as a lucky loser after losing to Jan Choinski in the second round of qualifying. Halys won the only meeting of these two, which took place in Indian Wells last year, and his big serving gives him a slight edge for me.
Prediction: Halys in 3
Ugo Humbert vs Fabian Marozsan
Head-to-Head: Humbert 2-1 Marozsan
Both these players have had a good start to the season, but Ugo Humbert is coming with a strong run to the semifinals last week in Rotterdam, and can be a dangerous player this week. Both players play an aggressive brand of tennis and will look to end rallies with their racquets. However, Humbert has a significant advantage on serve, which could be crucial in deciding this battle. I am going with the Frenchman to get this done.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Shintaro Mochizuki
Head-to-Head: Khachanov 1-0 Mochizuki
Former champion Karen Khachanov hasn’t found his rhythm so far this season, but this is a place where he plays some of his best tennis, and I expect him to raise his level. Shintaro Mochizuki pushed the Russian to five sets the last time these two played, but his form doesn’t suggest he will offer much resistance this time.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Jesper de Jong
Head-to-Head: Rublev 1-0 De Jong
Andrey Rublev is coming off a solid but not flawless start to his 2026 season, and he will look to build at this tournament, which has been fruitful for him throughout the years. He has a magnificent record here with two titles and multiple semifinals. Jesper de Jong, on the other hand, has a 1-5 win-loss record this season and is underpowered against a player of Rublev’s caliber. This looks like a straightforward win for the defending champion to me.
Prediction: Rublev in 2