US Open 2020: Karen Khachanov vs Alex de Minaur preview, head-to-head & prediction

By Rupin Kale
Modified Sep 05, 2020 03:38 GMT
Can Karen Khachanov make it to his first-ever fourth round match at the US Open?
Can Karen Khachanov make it to his first-ever fourth round match at the US Open?

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

Alex de Minaur picked up a four-set victory against Richard Gasquet in the second round of the 2020 US Open
Alex de Minaur picked up a four-set victory against Richard Gasquet in the second round of the 2020 US Open

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.