Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Doha match.
Daniil Medvedev hasn't won a title since spring 2023, and his start to 2025 has been disappointing. After a disastrous Australian Open, he delivered uninspiring performances in Rotterdam and Marseille. This tournament is a chance for the former world No. 1 to prove he can get back to his winning ways. Meanwhile, Zizou Bergs is enjoying the best season of his career, but his record against top-10 players is dreadful — 0-5 in five matches.
Zizou Bergs
Bergs has improved significantly, but his success has come against lower-ranked players. In 2025, he won 10 of 14 matches, yet none of his opponents were of Medvedev’s level. His run to the Auckland final included wins over Nuno Borges (No. 39), Taro Daniel (No. 75), and Lloyd Harris (No. 133)—not exactly the toughest competition. In Marseille, he lost to Ugo Humbert (No. 18), while at the Australian Open, he fell to Diaz Acosta (No. 119). Bergs also struggles against top-ranked players—all four of his 2025 defeats ended in straight sets (0-2).
Daniil Medvedev
Since 2021, Medvedev has won 81% of his matches on hard courts (125 out of 155), and he boasts a perfect 5-0 record in Doha. The Russian remains dominant from the baseline and excels in exhausting rallies. Against Karen Khachanov (4:6, 7:5, 6:3), he won 78% of points in exchanges lasting more than nine shots. If Medvedev can avoid mental lapses, disputes with umpires, and emotional outbursts, he should dispatch Bergs with relative ease.
Zizou Bergs vs Daniil Medvedev Prediction
Despite Bergs’ excellent form, this will be his toughest match of 2025. Medvedev thrives in long rallies, has superior shot tolerance, and is a nightmare for aggressive opponents. Given Bergs' poor record against top-10 players and tendency to lose in straight sets, the Russian should comfortably cover the handicap.
