[Trending News] Dubai tennis picks: Berrettini vs. Monfils, Humbert vs. Lehecka

First-round action at the ATP 500 in Dubai continues on Tuesday with an intriguing showdown between Matteo Berrettini and Gael Monfils. Ugo Humbert and Jiri Lehecka are also aiming for a place in the last 16.

Gael Monfils vs. Matteo Berrettini

Berrettini and Monfils have taken turns posting big results in 2025 as they prepare to face each other in round one of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday night. Monfils was hot in January, and now it is Berrettini who is rounding into form. The Italian upset Novak Djokovic in the Doha first round last week before beating Tallon Griekspoor and losing to eventual runner-up Jack Draper.

Monfils won the Auckland title last month and then made a run to round four of the Australian Open. The 40th-ranked Frenchman hasn’t played since, so he is a bit of a question mark right now. Regardless, Berrettini should feel good about his chances. He is 3-0 all time in the head-to-head series, with victories at the 2019 U.S. Open, the 2021 United Cup, and the 2022 Australian Open–the latter in five sets. Look for the world No. 30 to maintain momentum from Doha and pick up another win over Monfils.

Pick: Berrettini in 2

Jiri LEHECKA vs. (5) UGO HUMBERT

Lehecka heads into Dubai with a sparkling 13-13 record for the season. The 22nd-ranked Czech lifted the trophy in Brisbane, reached the fourth round of the Aussie Open, and is coming off a semifinal showing in Doha. He upset Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals last week before succumbing to Draper 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-3.

Up first for Lehecka in Dubai is Humbert–the 2024 champion–whom he has never faced. The 15th-ranked Frenchman is also in stellar form, boasting a 9-2 record for the year that is highlighted by a triumph in Marseille. Although the pressure of defending a title can sometimes be a negative factor, Humbert just successfully went back-to-back in Marseille earlier this month. The lefty is well rested after skipping Doha, so he is the more reliable player compared to an opponent who has played a lot of matches already this season and has a history of physical issues.

Pick: Humbert in 3