Luca Nardi vs Mikhail Kukushkin Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Qatar Open

Prediction published on 15/02/2025, 11:13  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 15/02/2025 at 11:25 in Tennis Predictions

Mikhail Kukushkin, the eighth seed in the Qatar Open qualifiers, will face off with the unseeded Luca Nardi next in the tournament. The winner of this second-round qualifier will advance to the main draw. Below is our prediction for this match.

Luca Nardi defeated Yasutaka Uchiyama in the first round in straight sets. He allowed the world number 157 eight games as he snapped a three-match losing run.

Nardi is having a strong start to the year. He has won 10 of 15 matches alternating between the tour and challenger circuits.

A finalist at the Koblenz Challenger, Nardi is currently placed 85th in the live ranking after dropping two places.

Mikhail Kukushkin is having a shaky start to the season. He has compiled a 6-6 record after 12 outings alternating between the tour and challenger circuits.

The Russian, who has been eliminated in the qualifying rounds in Rotterdam and Melbourne, defeated Daniel Merida in the first round. He won by the loss of six games against the world number 281.

The 37-year-old’s struggles have seen him plummet in the world rankings. A former ATP top 40 player, Kukushkin has dropped 33 places to 143rd in the live ranking. This is the lowest he has placed in the ATP in a year.