More exciting matches are on the schedule on the third day of the ATP Qatar ExxonMobil Open, including two former champions, Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov, in action. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate, but which players will advance?

ATP Doha Day 3 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Marton Fucsovics

Head–to–Head: Khachanov 1 – 0 Fucsovics

Marton Fucsovics endured a shaky opening service game to power past Hady Habib in straight sets in just 70 minutes in his Doha opener. Next up is a compelling clash with former champion Karen Khachanov, who lifted the Doha title just two years ago. The Russian had to dig deep against Shintaro Mochizuki, winning four of the final five games to seal a 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 triumph.

This will be their first meeting since 2019, and a quarterfinal spot is firmly in Khachanov’s sights.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2

Jakub Mensik vs Zhizhen Zhang

Head–to–Head:  First Meeting

Jakub Mensik has marked his return from injury with grit rather than glamour, surviving a first-round scare at the Qatar Open against qualifier Jan Choinski, grinding his way back to seal a comeback win and book a second-round meeting with Zhizhen Zhang.

Zhang, however, arrives in Doha in ominous form. The Chinese No.1 brushed aside Roberto Carballes Baena without dropping serve and has now strung together seven consecutive wins, building on his Challenger title in Brisbane and a Davis Cup singles triumph.

Mensik, for his part, is riding an eight-match winning streak in completed matches, yet something will have to give in this one. If Mensik produces another patchy display, the in-form Zhang has the weapons and confidence to turn this into a serious test that he is capable of winning
Prediction: Zheng in 3

Arthur Fils vs Quentin Halys

Head–to–Head: Fils 2 – 0 Halys

Arthur Fils has kept his comeback on track at the Qatar Open, battling past Kamil Majchrzak in a three-set scrap to book his place in the round of 16 in a statement win as he builds back to full fitness.

Next up is an all-French clash with Quentin Halys, who entered as a lucky loser but has made the most of his reprieve. Halys also came from a set down to defeat Pablo Carreno Busta.

Fils leads their ATP head-to-head 2-0 and, while Halys has the firepower to trouble him, particularly early on, Fils’s higher ceiling and heavier ball striking make him the favourite to advance. It won’t be easy, though
Prediction: Fils in 2

Jannik Sinner vs Alexei Popyrin

Head–to–Head: Sinner 1 – 1 Popyrin

Alexei Popyrin finally snapped a 10-match losing streak in emphatic fashion at the Qatar Open, dismantling wild card Mubarak Shannan Zayid in just 58 minutes. It was ruthless, efficient tennis from first ball to last, with Popyrin dictating behind a heavy first serve and clean baseline hitting. After weeks of frustration, he has given himself a platform, but the reward is daunting.

Next up is World #2 Jannik Sinner, who has returned to Tour action without missing a beat, brushing aside Tomas Machac in straight sets without facing a single break point and winning 86% of his first-serve points in a statement performance. Although the head-to-head stands at 1-1, Sinner’s straight-sets win over Popyrin at last year’s US Open triggered the Australian’s prolonged slump. With momentum restored and confidence high, Sinner will cruise.
Prediction: Sinner in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images