Novak Djokovic vs Hubert Hurkacz Prediction: Betting on a long match

Novak Djokovic will face Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals of the Dubai tournament. The world number one will play against the world number 11. The two men have faced each other four times on Tour, with the Serb winning all four duels. It makes sense that Novak is quoted as the favorite in the pairing.

Novak has not lost in 2023. Djokovic has won two tournaments, in Adelaide and at the Australian Open. The Serb reclaimed his world number one ranking with a win at the Australian Open. In Dubai, the Balkan played two matches in three sets, barely beating the Czech Machac, the world No. 130. It was obvious that Novak was getting used to the ground and bounce. Nothing else could explain such a difficult victory over the Western Slav. However, Djokovic had no problems in the second round against ATP No. 39 Tallon Griekspoor. Tallon was defeated in one hour and 17 minutes, 6-2, 6-3.

Hurkacz also has a winning streak, but not as long as Djokovic. The Pole triumphed in Marseille last week, finishing above Frenchman Bonzi in the final in two games. In Dubai, Hurkacz defeated two Russians, Shevchenko and Kotov, the former in three sets, the latter in two. The bout against Kotov lasted one hour and nine minutes, 7-5, 6-1 in favor of the Pole.

Djokovic and Hurkacz have played each other four times, 4-0 in favor of the Serb. However, the boys have never crossed paths on the open hard court. On clay: 3-0 at Roland Garros, 2-0 at Madrid, 3-1 at Wimbledon, and 2-1 in Paris, all in favor of the Balkan.

That Djokovic is billed as the big favorite for the pairing is logical. However, we believe it will not be easy for the Serb on Thursday. The Pole is in good form, he won a tournament in Marseille last week, and in Dubai, Hurkacz positively showed himself. We expect a long match, which will consist of three sets. As for the outcome, Djokovic is a more likely semifinalist than Hurkacz, that's for sure.

• Total Over (20.5) for 1.80;
• Total Over (2.5) sets for 3.42;
• Correct score 2:1 for 3.75.

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