Dubai R2 Showdowns: Humbert vs. Griekspoor & Auger-Aliassime vs. Borges – A Thrilling Battle for the Last Eight!
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are heating up, and with just three seeds left standing, the action is set to get even more electrifying. Ugo Humbert, fresh off his Marseille title, will face the determined Tallon Griekspoor in a rematch for the ages. Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime, already a two-time champion this year, is gearing up for his first-ever encounter against the in-form Nuno Borges. With so much at stake, the second round promises to deliver unforgettable moments, dramatic rallies, and some intense, edge-of-your-seat tennis!
Tallon Griekspoor vs. (5) Ugo Humbert – A Clash of Momentum and Resilience
When these two first met in 2021, they served up one of the most thrilling contests on the ATP tour, with Ugo Humbert edging out Tallon Griekspoor in a nail-biting three-set tiebreaker, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 7-6(5). It was a match that showcased not just their talent but their willpower to fight until the very end. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s clear that this upcoming clash at Dubai’s second round will be no less dramatic.
Griekspoor, currently ranked 47th in the world, has been putting up an incredible fight in his recent matches, with a string of intense tiebreak battles. On Tuesday, the Dutchman survived a staggering three match points to outlast Roman Safiullin in a 5-7, 7-6(4), 7-6(1) marathon lasting nearly three hours. This man is no stranger to the long haul, having played a jaw-dropping 11 tiebreaks in his last six encounters! But can he keep up this pace?
Meanwhile, Humbert comes into this match red-hot after an easy 6-3, 6-0 victory over Jiri Lehecka in his Dubai opener. The 15th-ranked Frenchman, who clinched his first title of the year in Marseille, has been absolutely on fire. With a 10-2 record this season and an impeccable 6-0 run in his last six matches, Humbert has the momentum on his side. His powerful serving and aggressive groundstrokes are sure to test Griekspoor, but will fatigue be a factor for the Dutchman, or will he pull off another stunning upset?
This is bound to be a thrilling encounter, but given Humbert’s current form and Griekspoor’s potential exhaustion, the Frenchman is the favorite to come through this time.
Pick: Humbert in 3 – But expect a fight!
Nuno Borges vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime – A New Rivalry in the Making
Felix Auger-Aliassime is a man on a mission. The Canadian powerhouse has been unstoppable in 2025, claiming two titles already in Adelaide and Montpellier, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. But his second-round opponent, Nuno Borges, is out to prove that he’s more than just a stepping stone on Auger-Aliassime’s quest for greatness.
Borges, ranked No. 38, has been quietly making a name for himself with consistent performances, including a semifinal appearance in Auckland and a solid third-round run at the Australian Open. In Dubai, he turned heads with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory over Arthur Fils. However, Fils was dealing with injury issues, and Borges will need to step up his game even more to challenge a fully-fit Auger-Aliassime.
The Canadian No. 21, however, is no easy customer. Auger-Aliassime survived a brutal test in his opening match against Alexander Bublik, grinding out a 7-6(7), 6-7(4), 6-3 win in nearly three hours. Although it was a grueling battle, Auger-Aliassime’s sheer power, variety, and all-around game are miles ahead of what Borges can offer. While the Canadian may be coming off a physically demanding match, he’s been battle-tested, and Borges will have a hard time breaking through his aggressive baseline game.
This will be a historic first meeting between the two, and while Borges is a rising star, Auger-Aliassime’s weaponry will likely prove too much for the Portuguese player.
Pick: Auger-Aliassime in 2 – Quick and efficient!
The Stage is Set for an Epic Round 2 in Dubai!
With only three seeds left in the draw, every match counts, and these two second-round encounters are poised to take center stage. Humbert and Griekspoor will battle for momentum, while Auger-Aliassime and Borges look to carve out their place in the last eight. Whether it’s a tiebreak thriller or a swift two-set finish, one thing is for sure: Dubai is the place to be for world-class tennis.
Stay tuned, because the action is just getting started!
