Bhayangkara arrive in potent form with three wins from their last four matches, scoring ten goals, and hold an unbeaten head-to-head record in the last five meetings. Semen Padang sit in the relegation zone with poor away results and defensive frailty. The hosts' superior quality, home advantage at Patriot Candrabhaga, and momentum make them clear favorites to claim three points.

Fils carries momentum from a dominant 6-3, 6-3 victory over Lehecka just five days ago in Doha on identical hard courts. The Frenchman’s aggressive baseline game troubled the Czech throughout that quarterfinal, and the quick rematch leaves Lehecka minimal time to adjust tactics. While the seeded Czech possesses firepower, Fils’ psychological edge and superior recent form make him the value play in this first-round Dubai clash.

Mensik’s recent abdominal injury, which forced withdrawals in Melbourne and Davis Cup, raises durability concerns despite his Doha semifinal form. Hurkacz’s explosive serving suits Dubai’s fast hard courts, giving him a tactical edge. With fitness questions lingering over the Czech, the steadier Hurkacz offers value at pick’em or underdog odds.