TennisSection previews the 2021 Qatar Open as Roberto Bautista Agut (5) meets Nikoloz Basilashvili in the Final on Saturday, March 13 2021.
Will Nikoloz Basilashvili continue to produce upsets here in Qatar as he chases yet another ATP Tour title here at the 2021 Qatar Open? Will Roberto Bautista Agut lift his second Qatar Open trophy in the last 3 years? Both of these players have been on top of their game all week here in Qatar, but only one will come out as the 2021 Qatar Open Champion on Saturday. Who will it be?
Roberto Bautista Agut has been superb here in Qatar, beating 4 extremely tough opponents in a row without hesitation. Many expected Roberto Bautista Agut to not have enough energy coming into the Semi-Finals on Friday as his Quarter-Final victory over the No.1 seed, Dominic Thiem, finished very late on Thursday and was a very draining match. However, Roberto came out ready to take down the tournament favourite, and defending champion, Andrey Rublev, beating the Russian in straight sets 6-3/6-3. Roberto Bautista Agut gave absolutely nothing to Andrey Rublev all match, changing up both the speed, location, and bounce of his ball, never giving Rublev time to settle. Roberto has so much experience on the ATP Tour, and even at the age of 32, he seems to be on top of his game. Roberto Bautista Agut loves the playing conditions here will be very motivated to win the title here again.
Nikoloz Basilashvili has been playing some very solid tennis here in Qatar, causing the shocking upset in the Quarter-Finals by beating Roger Federer by coming back from a down and a match point down in the third set. In the Semi-Finals, Nikoloz Basilashvili was very happy to meet Taylor Fritz as he was able to use his quick playing style to get the best of the youngster in straight sets, making sure that he took advantage of this opportunity (7-6/6-1) to make his way to yet another Final. Nikoloz Basilashvili has been struggling with his game for the last year or so, but here in Qatar he has found his mojo again. Basilashvili is not known for playing his best tennis in these outdoor hard court conditions, but he will be very motivated to win the title here on Saturday. Can Nikoloz Basilashvili win his fourth career title?
This is going to be the fifth meeting between Roberto Bautista Agut and Nikoloz Basilashvili, with Roberto Bautista Agut leading the head to head 3-1. Both players have been playing some of their best tennis here in Qatar, but there is a clear edge for Roberto Bautista Agut coming into this match. Nikoloz Basilashvili is more of a fast pace and quick points tennis player, and when he gets dragged into long and draining rallies, he more often than not suffers. Roberto Bautista Agut, on the other hand, thrives in these playing conditions, and going off of their prior encounters, this has helped him get the better of Nikoloz Basilashvili more often than not. I expect this to be a straight sets victory for Roberto Bautista Agut, winning his 10th ATP Tour career title, and his 2nd Qatar Open title in 3 years.
Free Tennis Pick and Prediction: Roberto Bautista Agut in Straight Sets.
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