Denis Shapovalov vs Tomas Machac Dubai Prediction 2/23/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Denis Shapovalov and Tomas Machac clash in the first round of the 2026 Dubai Championships. The match is scheduled for Monday, February 23. Here’s our Denis Shapovalov vs Tomas Machac prediction. This preview will also include a Denis Shapovalov vs Tomas Machac pick.

Denis Shapovalov vs Tomas Machac Preview

Denis Shapovalov is returning to Dubai for the first time since 2024. This will be his fourth career appearance in the tournament, having twice finished in the semifinals, but lost in the opening round in his last visit in 2024. He is unseeded and is currently ranked 35th in the world rankings.

Shapovalov has compiled a 4-3 win-loss record in 2026. He won just one round at the Australian Open and saw his title defense at the Dallas Open come to a screeching halt in the semis, where he lost to Ben Shelton in a terrific match. Since then, Shapovalov opted to take a week off after Dallas and will now compete in Dubai before the Sunshine Swing.

Tomas Machac was soundly beaten by Jannik Sinner in his first tournament since his retirement in Montpellier. The Czech was outplayed in the first set where he lost 6-1, but gave a better account of himself by running Sinner close in the second before he ultimately lost 6-4.

The defeat to Sinner in Doha was his fourth for the season. He has won seven matches and was a champion at the ATP Adelaide right at the start of the new season. But his injury record continues to haunt with the 25-year-old documenting his first retirement in 2026 in Montpellier. Machac is making his third appearance in the ATP 500 in Dubai. He has never won a main draw match in this event.

Denis Shapovalov vs Tomas Machac Head-To-Head

Shapovalov and Machac have met once on the ATP Tour. The Canadian won in straight sets during his title-winning run at the 2025 Dallas Open.

Denis Shapovalov vs Tomas Machac Prediction

With Machac’s fitness record always a question mark regardless of form, you always want to tread carefully with the outright market. That said, I fancy Shapovalov to win here. The Canadian was playing some great tennis in Dallas and he could have beaten eventual champion Ben Shelton. If he brings the same ball striking efficiency to Dubai, he’ll be a handful.

Nur Said's Pick: Denis Shapovalov in three sets