Vienna 2024: Brandon Nakashima vs Karen Khachanov preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick | Erste Bank Open
Match Details
Fixture: Brandon Nakashima vs Karen Khachanov
Date: 24 October, 2024
Tournament: Erste Bank Open 2024
Round: Second round (Round of 16)
Venue: Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna, Austria
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Hardcourt (Indoor)
Winner's Prize Money: €2,470,310
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Brandon Nakashima vs Karen Khachanov preview
Brandon Nakashima will lock horns with Karen Khachanov in a highly anticipated second-round clash at the 2024 Erste Bank Open on Thursday, October 24.
Nakashima has enjoyed a breakthrough season so far on tour, as reflected in his 27-20 match record. While he has yet to reach a final, his best performances this year include semifinal appearances in Stuttgart and Hangzhou. He's also impressed at the Grand Slams, advancing to the fourth round of the US Open and the third round at Wimbledon.
Nakashima's last appearance was at the Stockholm Open, where he suffered a disappointing opening-round loss to Stan Wawrinka. He did, however, quickly bounce back with a statement 6-4, 6-4 win over compatriot Tommy Paul to kick off his Vienna campaign this week.
Khachanov, on the contrary, has had a subdued season, compiling a modest 30-20 record on tour this year. While most of his success came in the first half of the season as compared to a barren second half, he turned things around dramatically last week in Almaty with a title-winning run. He defeated the likes of Otto Virtanen, Aleksandar Vukic, and rising Canadian star Gabriel Diallo to claim his second title of the year, adding to his earlier triumph in Qatar in February.
This week in Vienna, Khachanov kicked off his campaign with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 victory over Brazil's Thiago Seyboth Wild, finishing the match in an hour and 27 minutes.
Brandon Nakashima vs Karen Khachanov head-to-head
Brandon Nakashima and Karen Khachanov have yet to face off professionally, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Brandon Nakashima vs Karen Khachanov odds
(Odds to be added when available)
Brandon Nakashima vs Karen Khachanov prediction
Brandon Nakashima entered Vienna on a three-match losing streak but snapped it in style with a commanding win in his opener. He won 78% of his first-serve points, fired 5 aces, and saved the only break point he faced. He excelled in the longer rallies and was particularly sharp on his backhand.
Khachanov, carrying his winning momentum from Almaty, also put on an impressive display in his opener. He won 82% of his first-serve points, did not drop serve, and converted all 3 break point opportunities while winning 46% of return points.
As these two prepare to face off, Khachanov holds a slight edge thanks to his superior recent form and proven success indoors, with four career titles. Nakashima, with a 17-8 career indoor record, will need a standout performance to pull off the upset.
Pick: Khachanov to win in three sets.