"I have to watch the match Carlos Alcaraz played against him" - Karen Khachanov jokes about his gameplan for facing Daniil Medvedev in Miami Open SF

Karen Khachanov has said that he will watch the Indian Wells final between Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev ahead of meeting the latter in the Miami semifinals on Saturday (March 31).

Producing one of his best performances of the year, the 16th-ranked Khachanov saw off last year's surprise finalist Francisco Cerundolo for a loss of just five games to reach his first Miami semifinal.

It was one-way traffic for the 26-year-old after he recovered from a break down in the first set, hitting 18 winners to complete a 75-minute win and set up a last-four showdown with his good friend Medvedev. Earlier, the former World No. 1 beat Christopher Eubanks to reach his first Miami semifinal after consecutive quarterfinal exits.

Khachanov has won only one of his four matches with Medvedev (27-3), who has won 22 of his last 23 matches. In his post-match press conference, Khachanov opined that he will have to watch Medvedev's Indian Wells final loss to Alcaraz last week to formulate a winning gameplan. Providing a sneak peek of his tactics, the 26-year-old said:

"First of all, I have to play my game, but at the same time, knowing what he's capable of, try to adjust more things. You know, maybe to come more forward, you know, and basically to mix the game a lot."

He continued:

"I think I have to watch the match Alcaraz (played) against him in the finals. He did everything pretty well I would say that match. Maybe I have to try to play the same way."

Karen Khachanov's only win over Medvedev came at the Moscow Open five years ago.

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"We are good friends outside, but we are rivals on the court" - Karen Khachanov on Daniil Medvedev

Off the court, Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov are good friends, but in it, it will be business as usual as both look to win their maiden Miami title.

With both playing their first semifinals of the tournament against each other, one of them is destined to reach the final. Commenting on his friendship with the former World No. 1, Khachanov said:

"We know each other from young age. We have been playing against each other since we were kids, but also on ATP we played ... four matches, I think."

He continued:

"I would say, we are good friends outside, but we are rivals on the court. Tomorrow is another match, which I'm very excited to play against him, you know, semifinals. Just will prepare and try to do my best. I think he will try and do the same. Who plays better tomorrow will win. That's it."

Karen Khachanov will return to the top ten if he goes all the way this week.