Taro Daniel vs Andy Murray Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Qatar Open

Prediction published on 14/02/2022, 07:52  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 14/02/2022 at 09:13 in Tennis Predictions

Andy Murray is back in the top 100 and bids to get some revenge on Taro Daniel. Murray was beaten in straight sets by Daniel at the Australian Open but has played well before and since that match. The winner of this first round match in Doha takes on second seeded Roberto Bautista Agut in the last 16. The British number three had been out of the top 100 since 2018 but he's put in some solid performances this year and is up to 87th now and 32nd in terms of points earned this year. Murray reached the final of a tournament in Sydney in January, getting three wins over players ranked in the top 45. He followed that up by beating Nikoloz Basilashvili in the first round of the Australian Open. He was expected to beat Daniel in round two but lost in straight sets. Perhaps playing so many games in a short period of time went against him. Since the Australian Open, Murray has had a win over Alexander Bublik (fresh from a tournament win) in Rotterdam last week, before losing to eventual winner Felix Auger-Aliassime. Before the recent loss to Daniel, his only previous match against the Japanese player was six years ago, winning a five-setter for the loss of just five games.

Taro Daniel is ranked 110th in the world and 46th in terms of points earned this year. His highest ever ranking was 64th and that was achieved three years ago. Daniel has risen 15 places in the rankings this year, due to his success at the Australian Open. He didn't last long after beating Murray though, losing to seeded Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the last 32. Before that Grand Slam, Daniel made it to the last 16 of a tournament in Adelaide, losing to Tommy Paul. Daniel hasn't played since the Australian Open and spent most of last year playing on the Challenger Tour. Back Murray to avenge his loss in Melbourne.