Richard Gasquet defeated Marco Cecchinato 6–4, 6–2 in the first round of the Dubai Masters 1000 on hard court, confirming his status as pre-match favourite with odds of 1.39 to Cecchinato's 3.21. Gasquet controlled the match from the outset, breaking serve twice in the opening set to establish early dominance before accelerating in the second, where he surrendered only two games to close out a comprehensive victory. The Frenchman's composed performance underlined his experience on the fast hard courts of the Gulf, whilst Cecchinato struggled to find rhythm against an opponent who dictated points with precision and consistency. Gasquet's commanding display sets up a favourable path through the draw as he seeks to add to his Masters 1000 silverware.