Doha R1 previews and predictions: Goffin vs. Krajinovic, Lajovic vs. Fucsovics

Montpellier champion David Goffin may have a tough first-rounder on his hands in Doha against Filip Krajinovic on Tuesday. Also wrapping up opening-round action are Dusan Lajovic and Rotterdam finalist Marton Fucsovics.

(6) David Goffin vs. Filip Krajinovic

Goffin and Krajinovic will be squaring off for the fifth time in their careers at the ATP level when they clash in round one of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Monday. The head-to-head series is all tied up at two wins apiece, with Krajinovic having won two of their three hard-court encounters. The 32nd-ranked Serb is playing this week for the first time since the Australian Open, where he advanced to the third round and pushed eventual runner-up Daniil Medvedev to five sets.

February was much different for David Goffin. His Aussie Open was a disaster (lost to Alexei Popyrin from match points up in the first round) but bounced back to capture the Montpellier. Inconsistency continued for the 14th-ranked Belgian, who lost his second match in Rotterdam to Jeremy Chardy. This is another good opportunity for a well-rested Krajinovic, who has had success in this matchup in the past.

Pick: Krajinovic in 3

Dusan Lajovic vs. Marton Fucsovics

Fucsovics is getting right back in action after finishing runner-up in Rotterdam on Sunday. The 29-year-old Hungarian had to qualify just to get into the main draw, after which he defeated Reilly Opelka, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Tommy Paul, and Borna Coric before falling to Andrey Rublev. Of seven matches, only his first-rounder against Reilly Opelka went to three sets. Fucsovics shouldn’t be overly fatigued despite the long and successful week.

Up next for the world No. 46 is a first-ever meeting with Lajovic, who has been all over the place in 2021. The 27th-ranked Serb went 0-2 at the ATP Cup, capitalized on a favorable draw to reach the Australian Open fourth round, lost to Dennis Novak right away in Montpellier, upset Medvedev in Rotterdam, and then got knocked out by Borna Coric. The more solid player and the one with more confidence should have the edge, and Fucsovics checks both of those boxes.

Pick: Fucsovics in 2