The third day at the ATP 500 in Doha promises even more excitement as former champions Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev are in action as they look to make it a fourth consecutive title win by a Russian in the Qatari capital. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but which players will advance?
ATP Doha Day 3 Predictions
Jiri Lehecka vs Zizou Bergs
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
After an injury-disrupted title defense in Brisbane and a first-round exit at the Australian Open, Jiri Lehecka needed a statement performance and delivered exactly that with a commanding win over Jenson Brooksby in the Qatar Open first round, wrapping it up in just one hour and 22 minutes. Sharp from the baseline and composed on serve, Lehecka looked far closer to the level that carried him to last year’s final here, and the signs suggest his season is finally gaining traction.
Next up is Zizou Bergs, who battled past Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a three-set serving duel. The Belgian fired 17 aces and won 79% of his first-serve points in a 6-3 6-7(5) 6-4 victory that lasted over two hours. Bergs’ firepower will test Lehecka, but if the Czech maintains this rhythm and physical stability, he enters the clash as the clear favourite to advance.
Prediction: Lehecka in 2
Daniil Medvedev vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Head–to–Head: Medvedev 10 – 4 Tsitsipas
Daniil Medvedev looks like he has returned to form yet again in Doha, dispatching Juncheng Shang in a commanding opening-round display at the Qatar Open. The 2023 champion was razor-sharp on serve, facing just one break point and never relinquishing control as he wrapped up the win in one hour and 15 minutes. After a surprise first-round exit in Rotterdam last week, this was the response of a player intent on reasserting his authority on outdoor hard courts.
Next up is a familiar foe, Stefanos Tsitsipas, whom he has played a mammoth 14 times. The Greek advanced with a composed straight set victory over Moez Echargui, not conceding a single break point.
This will be their 15th career meeting with Medvedev leading the rivalry 10-4 overall and 6-1 on outdoor hard courts. The Russian’s ability to absorb pace, redirect from deep, and expose Tsitsipas’ backhand has consistently tilted the matchup in his favor. On this surface, history suggests Medvedev remains firmly in control.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Fabian Marozsan
Head–to–Head: Rublev 2 – 2 Marozsan
This is going to be one of the matches of this round, as even their head-to-head suggests. More than at any other event, Andrey Rublev is a different player in Doha, having made deep runs here severally including clinching two titles. The Russian made light work of Ugo Humbert in the previous round to signal that he is in the mood yet again, and when Rublev is in the mood, he can beat anyone on tour. I think he wins this against Marozsan, even though the Hungarian will be far from being a spectator.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Valentin Royer
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Carlos Alcaraz extended his flawless record against Arthur Rinderknech, brushing past the Frenchman for a fifth straight time in the opening round of the Qatar Open. The Spaniard controlled the first set with authority, but the second turned into a genuine test. He responded like a champion, ripping a stunning forehand in the tiebreak to close out a 6-4 7-6(5) victory to preserve his perfect start to the season, now eight matches unbeaten, and underlined his composure in high-pressure moments.
Next up is another Frenchman, Valentin Royer, who powered into the second round with a ruthless dismissal of qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert in just over an hour. Royer tore through the opening seven games, signalling intent, but this is a significant step up in class.
Alcaraz, battle-hardened from a tight contest, will likely welcome the opportunity to assert control early. With the Spaniard operating at full throttle, the matchup points toward a more decisive outcome as Alcaraz eyes deeper progress in Doha.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images