Serbia Open 2022: Novak Djokovic vs Karen Khachanov preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (1) Novak Djokovic vs (3) Karen Khachanov
Date: 23 April 2022
Tournament: Serbia Open 2022
Round: Semifinal
Venue: Novak Tennis Center
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Outdoor clay
Prize money: €534,555
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Discovery
Novak Djokovic vs Karen Khachnov preview
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will take on third seed Karen Khachanov in the semifinals of the 2022 Serbia Open on Saturday.
Djokovic seems to be playing himself back into form after his time away from the sport. His comeback at the Monte-Carlo Masters ended in the second round, but he's found his feet at the Serbia Open.
He looked down and out against Laslo Djere in the second round as he trailed by a set and a break. But the 20-time Major champion found a way to turn things around and won in three sets.
Djokovic then took on Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarterfinals. The young Serb has been in sensational form over the past few weeks and took the challenge to the World No. 1, who once again found himself down a set and a break.
But being on the backfoot often brings out the best in Djokovic, and he demonstrated that perfectly in the quarterfinals. After going down a break in the second set, he immediately broke back and didn't face another break point for the rest of the match. He eventually won 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to reach his first semifinal of the season.
Sealed in style! 🤩
The moment Belgrade rose to its feet as @DjokerNole overcame a spirited Kecmanovic...
#SerbiaOpen https://t.co/IF6AdJk3Gl
Karen Khachanov started his clay season with a tough three-set loss to Diego Schwartzman in the first round of the Monte-Carlo Masters. It marked his third consecutive first-round loss.
At the Serbia Open, he received a bye into the second round. Roman Safiullin then withdrew prior to their second-round clash, giving the Russian a walkover into the quarterfinals.
The No.3 seed moves on!
@karenkhachanov defeats Monteiro in straight sets 7-5 6-4 to reach the Belgrade semi-finals.
#SerbiaOpen https://t.co/g8jbhs9mbT
Khachanov took on Thiago Monteiro in the last eight. The match was fairly competitive, but the Russian remained in control of proceedings, winning 7-5, 6-4 to reach his third semifinal of the season.
Novak Djokovic vs Karen Khachanov head-to-head
Djokovic has dominated the head-to-head so far, compiling a 5-1 lead. He won their most recent encounter 6-3, 7-6(2) in the second round of the 2022 Dubai Tennis Championships.
Novak Djokovic vs Karen Khachanov odds
All odds are sourced from BetMGM.
Novak Djokovic vs Karen Khachanov prediction
Djokovic seems to have rediscovered his mojo. The Serb has won his last four matches against Khachanov and will certainly fancy his chances of making it five in a row.
Djokovic's movement has improved significantly over the course of the week. While he looked a bit labored and sluggish early on, he covered the court quite well in the quarterfinals.
Khachanov served well in his last match, hitting seven aces and winning 80% of his first-serve points. He'll need to put up similar or even better numbers against Djokovic.
The Serb is an excellent returner and if Khachanov falters on serve, it could put him on the backfoot early on. The Russian cannot afford to stay glued to the back of the court either, as getting into lengthy baseline exchanges with the World No. 1 isn't going to work in his favor.
With a couple of wins under his belt and his confidence improving with every match, Djokovic will take some stopping now.
Pick: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.