Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Doha match.
Strangely enough, Christopher O’Connell leads their head-to-head record despite being ranked 82nd, while Jack Draper holds the 16th spot in the ATP rankings. The Australian won in three sets (1:6, 6:3, 6:2) in the first round of last year’s Indian Wells Masters. Can he spring another surprise this time?
Christopher O’Connell
O’Connell also beat Draper back in 2019 at a Challenger event in Fairfield, USA, when the Brit was only 17 (6:2, 6:3). The Australian has been struggling with early tournament eliminations recently but has shown he can fight. In the first round of the Australian Open, he pushed world No. 11 Tommy Paul to five sets (2:6, 6:3, 1:6, 7:6, 5:7). In his Doha opener, he battled past wildcard Hady Habib (7:6, 7:6) in almost two hours, showcasing his big-serving ability.
Jack Draper
Draper had played only one tournament before Doha this year – the Australian Open, where he reached the fourth round. Unfortunately, he had to retire against Carlos Alcaraz due to a hip injury. In his first-round match in Doha, the Brit defeated Alexei Popyrin (6:2, 7:6) in just 84 minutes. Draper is the more complete and consistent player, but he will need to stay focused against a big server like O’Connell.
Christopher O’Connell vs Jack Draper Prediction
O’Connell’s serve has been a major weapon – he has hit 31 aces in three matches in Doha. Draper, however, is a more well-rounded player and should have the edge. Given O’Connell’s ability to extend matches, this one could go long.
