Australian Open 2022: Rafael Nadal vs Karen Khachanov Prediction, Preview, Head to Head and Live Stream

20-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal will be up against Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Karen Khachanov in the third round of the 2022 Australian Open. Nadal is ranked 5th in the world while Khachanov is the World No.30.

Rafael Nadal vs Karen Khachanov: Match Details

• Tournament: Australian Open 2022
• Date: 21 January 2022
• Match: Rafael Nadal vs Karen Khachanov
• Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne
• Round: Third Round
• Surface: Hard Court
• Prize Money: USD 159,202

Rafael Nadal vs Karen Khachanov: Preview

2009 Oz Open champion Rafael Nadal has played very well since the last two weeks. Returning from injury, he competed at the Melbourne Summer Set and won the title without dropping a set. This week at the Australian Open, he blasted past American Marcos Giron in the first round and then defeated German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets 6-2,6-3,6-4 to secure a third round spot.

Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Karen Khachanov hasn’t played his best tennis since the Olympics. But he started the season on a positive note, reaching the final of the Adelaide International 1 event. He then made it to the quarterfinals of Adelaide International 2 the next week. In Melbourne this week, he came from a set down to beat American Denis Kudla in the first round and then eased past Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets 6-4,6-0,7-5 to book a date with Nadal.

Rafael Nadal vs Karen Khachanov: Head-to-Head

This will be the 8th meeting between the duo. Nadal leads the H2H 7-0. They last met in the 2019 Davis Cup Finals where Nadal won in straight sets.

Rafael Nadal vs Karen Khachanov: Prediction

Nadal will definitely start the match as the favorite. The Spaniard is yet to drop a set this season and looks completely fit to go deep in the tournament. He will once again rely on his big forehand and defensive play. As for Khachanov, his serve will be the key. His first serve percentage can be crucial for him to stay in the contest. Expect a thrilling encounter with long rallies, but Nadal should win the match comfortably.

Prediction: Nadal to win in straight sets.

Rafael Nadal vs Karen Khachanov: Broadcast and Live Stream Details

Also read: Australian Open 2022: Matteo Berrettini vs Carlos Alcaraz Prediction, Preview, Head to Head and Live Stream

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