US Open 2020: Karen Khachanov vs Alex de Minaur preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: Karen Khachanov vs Alex de Minaur
Date: 5 September 2020
Tournament: US Open 2020
Round: Third round (Round of 32)
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York, USA
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $39,024,000
Match timing: 1.30 pm EDT, 11 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel / ESPN | India - Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar VIP
Karen Khachanov vs Alex de Minaur preview
Karen Khachanov had a difficult opening match at the 2020 US Open, against World No. 74 Jannik Sinner. Khachanov was stretched to five sets by the Italian, but he made a solid comeback after going two sets down to clinch a 3-6, 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-0, 7-6(4) win.
The Russian carried that momentum into his second-round encounter against compatriot Andrey Kuznetsov, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.
Alex de Minaur had a relatively easier time in the first round, where he beat Slovakia's Andrej Martin in straight sets. De Minaur had come into the tournament in a confident mood, having won the doubles title at the Cincinnati Masters with Pablo Carreno Busta.
The 21st seed at this year's US Open went up against 2013 semi-finalist Richard Gasquet in the second round. He beat the Frenchman in four sets, finishing with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-7(8), 7-5 scoreline.
Karen Khachanov vs Alex de Minaur head-to-head
Karen Khachanov and Alex de Minaur have not met on the tour so far; this will be their first encounter. It goes without saying that the head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Karen Khachanov vs Alex de Minaur prediction
It will be interesting to see how Karen Khachanov's powerful groundstrokes measure up against Alex de Minaur's excellent court coverage. Both players have consistent forehands and play well from the back of the court, but they have their own distinct strengths and weaknesses.
While aggressive baseline play works well for Khachanov, his defence isn't as effective - which was evident in his game against Sinner. De Minaur, on the other hand, is great at making his opponent play that one extra shot, but can struggle to convert defence into offence at times.
This promises to be an exciting encounter between two very different but talented players. It is also a great chance for both men to push for a deep run at this year's US Open; Khachanov has never reached the Round of 16 here, while De Minaur has never made the quarters.
Prediction: Alex de Minaur to win in four sets.