TennisSection previews the 2022 Dubai Open as Aslan Karatsev takes on Mackenzie McDonald in the first round on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022.
Aslan Karatsev is clearly struggling to emulate his heroic feats from 2021. The Russian will put his title defense on the line at the Dubai Open, and there will be little margin for error this time. Another early exit to Mackenzie McDonald could harm his ranking status. So will the reigning champion find his form?
A Top-10 charge was on the cards for Aslan Karatsev this season. When he won the Sydney International last month, Karatsev was widely expected to challenge for the Australian Open title. But he has been a shadow of the player that produced a colossal run at the Melbourne Slam just 12 months ago. A disappointing third-round defeat to Adrian Mannarino at the Australian Open kick started a three-match winless streak. That included losses to Elias Ymer in Pune and Tallon Griekspoor in Rotterdam. His decision to play in Marseille ahead of his title defense at the Dubai Open did not bear any fruits. Karatsev was sent packing in the quarterfinals against Benjamin Bonzi. There are concerns about his overall fitness after picking up a knee issue in Marseille. Could Mackeznie McDonald send him into the mire?
Mackenzie McDonald has dropped outside the world’s Top 50 after his first-round exit in Doha. But it could be good omen. Aslan Karatsev’s four defeats this term have come against players ranked outside the Top 50. And he pushed the Russian to four sets at the Australian Open last month. But the American hasn’t quite replicated his efforts from 2021 when he won a career-best 18 matches at tour level. He has compiled a modest 4-6 record in 2022 ahead of his debut appearance at the Dubai Open.
Aslan Karatsev leads Mackenzie McDonald 1-0 in their head-to-head. That meeting took place at this year’s Australian Open where the Russian won in four sets. None of the two players are in great form coming into this match at the Dubai Open. Karatsev’s form has fallen off a cliff since Sydney, while McDonald has exited the Top 50. But I reckon Karatsev is not quite ready to relinquish his grip on the Dubai title. He is my pick to win this match.
Free Tennis Pick and Prediction: Aslan Karatsev to win.
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