Matteo Berrettini vs Christopher O'Connell Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - O'Connell to make Berrettini work for Dubai quarter-final spot

Andrew Hendrie

Editor

Last updated: 25 Feb 2025

Andrew Hendrie 25 Feb 2025

Share this article

Matteo Berrettini vs Christopher O'Connell predictions for Wednesday's ATP Dubai R2
The only previous meeting between the pair was decided in two tiebreaks
Berrettini has seen both players win a set in seven of his last 10 matches
The match is scheduled to start around 3.00am AEDT on Thursday February 27

Expired

Christopher O'Connell (Photo by Getty Images)

Matteo Berrettini vs Christopher O'Connell Tips, Prediction & Live Stream

Christopher O'Connell is aiming to reach his first ATP 500 quarter-final when he comes up against former top 10 player Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Wednesday.

Matteo Berrettini vs Christopher O'Connell Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Head To Head
Matteo Berrettini Form
Christopher O'Connell Form
Live Stream

O'Connell is always a tough competitor and the Aussie has the ability to push Berrettini in this contest, with their only previous meeting ended in a 7-6 7-6 victory for the Italian in Shanghai last year. I'm backing O'Connell to improve on that display and take a set in Dubai, but claiming the victory might still prove a step too far. Berrettini is confident and playing some of his best hardcourt tennis since his return from injury - including taking the scalp of Novak Djokovic last week in Doha. A three-set victory for Berrettini offers good value in this Dubai second round showdown.

Head To Head

As mentioned, Berrettini edged a tight encounter 7-6 7-6 in the pair's only previous clash in Shanghai last year.

Matteo Berrettini Form

Despite all of his injury problems, Berrettini still managed to win three ATP 250 titles in 2024 and work his way back towards the top 30.

If he can remain injury-free, surely it's only a matter of time before the former Wimbledon finalist returns to the upper echelons of the game.

After going 1-2 in Australia to start the season, Berrettini has started to build some momentum, defeating Djokovic and Tallon Griekspoor last week in Doha before falling to the in-form Jack Draper in three sets in the quarter-finals.

Berrettini will now be hoping to reach back-to-back quarter-finals in the Middle East after beginning his Dubai campaign with a solid 7-5 6-4 triumph over Gael Monfils earlier in the week.

Christopher O'Connell Form

O'Connell is also a player that knows all about injuries, with the Aussie overcoming countless setbacks to take his deserved spot as a player that's consistently ranked between 50-75 in the world.

The Aussie will be hoping to break new ground in 2025 and move up the rankings - and he has a great chance to pick up some valuable points if he can make a first ATP 500 quarter-final in Dubai this week.

It's taken some great players to beat O'Connell lately, with the Aussie coming into this contest having won six of his last seven matches overall, with Tommy Paul knocking him out of the Australian Open and Draper upstaging him in Doha last week.

O'Connell was able to take advantage of Grigor Dimitrov's current physical issues, with the Bulgarian retiring from their first round Dubai encounter after the Aussie took the first set 6-0.

Live Stream

Watch and bet on Matteo Berrettini vs Christopher O'Connell live tennis from Dubai.

You can watch and bet on the match live at Unibet > Tennis > ATP Dubai with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.

Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access. 18+ terms and conditions apply.

Verdict

Matteo Berrettini v Christopher O'Connell

It's taken some big performances to beat O'Connell in his last two tournaments (Paul & Draper) and the Aussie won't go down without a fight in Dubai.

Only two tiebreaks separated the pair in their only previous meeting, so I think O'Connell has the ability to take a set here, but ultimately Berrettini is the superior player and should be able to come out on top.

O'Connell +1.5

Set Handicap

$2.10 - 1 Unit

Download the dabble app

with referral code BETSAU

Download the dabble app, enter referral code BETSAU to enjoy Dabble, the betting app with a difference! Bet as normal with & also be part of Australia's betting community where you can follow punters and sports stars, copy their bets, have banter with your mates & watch Sky Racing channels. 18+. T&Cs apply. What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

Bet at dabble

Berrettini 2-1

Set Betting

$4.25 - 1 Unit

Download the dabble app

with referral code BETSAU

Bet at dabble