It’s only a 250, but ATP Doha promises some extremely enticing matches. On only the second day, we have Andy Murray looking to find some desperately needed form and some extreme firepower from Ruusuvuori and Shevchenko on the slate. We’re looking to predict these matches and more–there is another article with four matches from the day’s order of play. But who do you think will advance?
ATP Doha Day 2 Predictions
Giulio Zeppieri vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Why is Emil Ruusuvuori ranked outside the top 50 in the world? The Finn’s upside is massive, but he still suffers from a tendency to be a little predictable on serve. The huge strikes of Giulio Zeppieri could take advantage of that but only in short bursts. Ruusuvuori is still a bit better at being aggressive on a hard court than the Italian and should find a way to victory at ATP Doha.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 3.
Alexander Shevchenko vs Richard Gasquet
Head-to-head: First meeting
Though Richard Gasquet made the final of the Manama Challenger at the start of the month, his form at the ATP level hasn’t been up to scratch. This would all be well and good if he’d been given an easy ride in the first round at ATP Doha–unfortunately, Alexander Shevchenko is more than keeping up with the rest of the tour, showcasing his insane shot-making abilities in his win over Holger Rune last week. Shevchenko’s ranking looks set to keep on rising.
Prediction: Shevchenko in 2.
Andy Murray vs Alexandre Muller
Head-to-head: Murray 1-0 Muller
The losses of Andy Murray just keep piling up. It doesn’t matter who he’s against at the moment–he is constantly in his own head on the court, becoming his own worst enemy in the most important moments. Murray reached the final here last year and beat Alexandre Muller along the way. Plus, his matches have at least been close of late. If there was a chance to get things back on track, it would be right here, right now–probably clinched in a third-set tiebreak.
Prediction: Murray in 3.
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