Australian Open 2021: Matteo Berrettini vs Karen Khachanov – Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

Australian Open 2021: Matteo Berrettini vs Karen Khachanov – Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
Matteo Berrettini vs Karen Khachanov

Italian no.1 Matteo Berrettini will face Russian 19th seed Karen Khachanov in the third round of Australian Open 2021.

Match Details:

  • Fixture: Matteo Berrettini vs Karen Khachanov
  • Date: 13 February 2021
  • Tournament: Australian Open 2021
  • Round: 3rd Round
  • Venue: Melbourne, Australia
  • Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
  • Prize Money: 165,228 $ (USD)

Matteo Berrettini vs Karen Khachanov: Preview

Matteo Berrettini

9th seed Matteo Berrettini has had a terrific Australian summer so far. The Italian made the ATP Cup finals last week on the back of some spectacular victories over Dominic Thiem, Gael Monfils and Roberto Bautista Agut.

He then started his Australian Open campaign convincingly, knocking out Kevin Anderson in straight sets in the first round. He got past Tomas Machac in his 2nd round match, winning 6-3,6-2,4-6,6-3.

FS Video

His opponent, Karen Khachanov has been in decent form this year too. He reached the semi-final at the Australian Open build up event losing to eventual winner Jannik Sinner.

The Russian overcame a gruelling four-set affair against local Aleksandar Vukic in the opening round. He followed it up with a straight sets victory in the second round, beating Ricardas Berankis 6-2, 6-4, 6-4.

Matteo Berrettini vs Karen Khachanov: Head-to-Head

Karen Khachanov

This will their fourth meeting on tour. Matteo Berrettini leads Karen Khachanov 3-0 in the head-to-head. They played thrice in 2019, which included two meetings on grass and one on hardcourt.

Matteo Berrettini vs Karen Khachanov: Prediction

Matteo Berrettini

Berrettini has been hitting big on the fast Melbourne courts this year. Given his form and previous record in this match-up, he is the favorite to defeat Khachanov and make his way to the fourth round.

But Khachanov is not an easy nut to crack. The Italian will have to serve and hit really well to break through the Russian’s defense. Expect the Italian to move into the next round.

Prediction: Berrettini to win in four sets.

Also read: Australian Open 2021: Andrey Rublev vs Feliciano Lopez Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction