
Doha is set for a big night of tennis as Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas headline the ATP 500 first-round action. There are some clear favourites on paper, but also a few interesting betting angles worth a closer look. Let’s break down the matchups and where the best value might be.
Machac – Sinner: 16.02.2026 17:30 CEST
H2H: 0-2
Tomas Machac has won three of his last five matches. He retired mid-match against Gea two weeks ago in Montpellier in the opening match.
Jannik Sinner has won four of his last five matches. The last match he played was at the Australian Open, where Djokovic upset him in the semifinals in five tight sets. Around this time last season, the Italian served a three-month doping suspension. He is the second seed this week in Doha.
According to the bookies, Sinner is the clear favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He defeated Machac both times on hard courts, in straight sets. We expect him to dominate in this match and get a comfortable win.
That being said, Sinner covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jannik Sinner -5.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Medvedev – Shang: 16.02.2026 19:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Daniil Medvedev has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Rotterdam, Medvedev lost to Humbert in the opening round in three tight sets. He was the champion here in 2023. Last season, the Russian retired mid-match against Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals.
Juncheng Shang has won three of his last five matches. The last match he played was at the Australian Open, where he lost to van de Zandschulp in the second round in straight sets. He skipped most of the 2025 season due to an injury.
According to the bookies, Medvedev is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He played well this season so far. On the other hand, Shang lost easily against van de Zandschulp at the Australian Open. We expect Medvedev to dominate in this match and win in straight sets.
That being said, Medvedev winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Daniil Medvedev winning 2-0 @1.80 @bet365
Echargui – Tsitsipas: Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Moez Echargui has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Pau, Echargui lost to Tabur in the quarterfinals in three tight sets. He has been granted a wild card for this week’s event in Doha.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Rotterdam, Tsitsipas lost to van de Zandschulp in the 1/8-Finals in straight sets. Last season in Doha, Medjedovic upset him in the opening round in three tight sets.
According to the bookies, Tsitsipas is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. Echargui is a Challenger Tour player with almost no experience at the highest level. We expect Tsitsipas to serve well and control the match.
That being said, Tsitsipas covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Stefanos Tsitsipas -4.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
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