China Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (2) Carlos Alcaraz vs (7) Karen Khachanov
Date: 30 September 2024
Tournament: 2024 China Open
Round: Quarterfinal
Venue: National Tennis Center, Beijing, China
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize Money: $3,720,165
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky | Canada - TSN | India - Tennis Channel
Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov preview
Second seed Carlos Alcaraz will lock horns with seventh seed Karen Khachanov in a tantalizing quarterfinal clash at the 2024 China Open on Monday, 30 September. The winner could face third seed and last year's runner up Daniil Medvedev or Flavio Cobolli in the semifinals.
Alcaraz arrived in Beijing fresh off his Laver Cup triumph with Team Europe, where he led the way with two singles wins and secured the decisive match to bring the cup back to Europe. The week prior, he inspired Spain to the Davis Cup quarterfinals with a perfect record in the group stage.
He opened his campaign in the capital city with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round and was just as dominant in the second round, cruising past the tricky Tallon Griekspoor 6-1, 6-2 in just 56 minutes.
Khachanov, on the other hand, entered Beijing following a disappointing loss in his Hangzhou opener to Bu Yunchaokete, where he was the defending champion. His US Open campaign wasn’t much better, as he fell in the first round to Dan Evans in a five-set epic.
In Beijing, Khachanov started with a routine 6-4, 6-4 win over Roberto Carballes Baena. In the second round, he came through two tight tie-breakers against Francisco Cerundolo, playing the key points better to secure a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (9) victory in 2 hours and 9 minutes.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov head-to-head
Carlos Alcaraz leads Karen Khachanov 3-0 in their head-to-head match-ups, with his most recent victory coming in a 6-4, 7-5 win in Madrid last year. This will be their first encounter on hardcourts, as all previous matches were played on European red clay.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov odds
(Odds to be added once available)
Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov prediction
Carlos Alcaraz has been at his dominant best in Beijing, especially in his second-round match. He was flawless on serve, winning 100% of points behind his first serve and facing no break points. He was just as strong on return, winning 23 return points out of 53 total points won. He displayed strong all-around court coverage and also excelled at the net.
Khachanov, meanwhile, has bounced back from a disappointing North American hardcourt swing and Hangzhou campaign with a solid run in Beijing so far. He cruised through his opener but was tested in the second round, showing great mental resilience to secure the win. He won 82% of points behind his first serve, converted 3 out of 5 break points, and claimed 58% of points at the net.
Alcaraz enters the match as the favorite, thanks to his superior form this season and better outdoor hardcourt record. The conditions in Beijing should favor his style of play as well. The match could potentially be one-sided if Khachanov fails to serve effectively and does not take an aggressive approach against Alcaraz from the outset.
Pick: Alcaraz in straight sets.