As the ATP action commences in Doha, players prepare to showcase their skills on fast hard courts at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. The opening day features exciting match-ups, including the highly anticipated battle between Daniil Medvedev and Shang Juncheng. Here’s a closer look at the key matches and predictions.
ATP Doha Day 1 Predictions
Mubarak Shannan Zayid vs Alexei Popyrin
- Head-to-head: First meeting
- Venue: Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, Doha
Mubarak Shannan Zayid, a local favorite, enters the tournament with a wild card. He brings the energy of the Qatari crowd, but his experience mainly comes from lower-tier events. In contrast, Alexei Popyrin possesses a strong serve and an aggressive playing style that suits hard courts. Despite inconsistent results in early 2026, Popyrin’s power enables him to control the game effectively.
Prediction: Popyrin in 2 sets.
Jakub Mensik vs Jan Choinski
- Head-to-head: First meeting
Jakub Mensik continues to rise in stature on the hard-court circuit. He has demonstrated impressive performance with a powerful serve. Jan Choinski reached this stage after two tough qualifying wins, showcasing his resilience. However, Mensik’s recent success gives him a significant edge that may outmatch Choinski’s inexperience at this level.
Prediction: Mensik in 2 sets.
Daniil Medvedev vs Shang Juncheng
- Head-to-head: First meeting
Daniil Medvedev thrives on hard courts in the Middle East. His formidable groundstrokes and elite defensive skills allow him to navigate challenging matches. Shang Juncheng comes into the match under a protected ranking, bringing talent and potential for surprising upsets. While Shang can be dangerous when in the zone, Medvedev’s extensive experience in high-stakes situations should enable him to absorb early aggression and gradually take control of the match.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2 sets.
As the excitement of ATP Doha unfolds, these matches on day one promise to deliver thrilling tennis. Fans can look forward to seeing how these players adapt to the fast conditions and each other’s playing styles.
