Tokyo Olympics 2020: Pablo Carreno Busta vs Karen Khachanov Preview, Head to Head and Prediction


Tokyo Olympics 2020: Pablo Carreno Busta vs Karen Khachanov Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Pablo Carreno Busta vs Karen Khachanov

World No. 11 Pablo Carreno Busta will take on World No. 25 Karen Khachanov in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics on July 30, 2021.

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Pablo Carreno Busta vs Karen Khachanov: Match Details

Tournament2020 Tokyo Olympics
MatchPablo Carreno Busta vs Karen Khachanov
RoundSemifinal
DateJuly 30, 2021
VenueTokyo, Japan
SurfaceHard Court

Pablo Carreno Busta vs Karen Khachanov: Preview

Pablo Carreno Busta
Pablo Carreno Busta

The Spaniard comes into this match after outlasting World No.2 Daniil Medvedev in two sets in the quarterfinals. Busta has also beaten hard court specialists, Tenny’s Sandgren and Marin Cilic in Tokyo this week. With eight wins to three loses on the hard courts for 2021, the 30-year-old will be keen to extend his dream run at the Olympics. Moreover, despite a tough draw, Busta has only dropped one set in his journey to the semifinals.im

On the other hand, the Russian comes into this clash after beating Ugo Humbert of France in the quarters. He also beat Diego Schwartzman in the third round. While the 25-year-old has been tested in almost every round this week in Tokyo, his ability to turn things around has been impressive. It is also not to be forgotten that he made the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, earlier in the month and appears to be carrying all the momentum into this clash against a higher-ranked opponent.

Pablo Carreno Busta vs Karen Khachanov: Head to Head

Karen Khachanov
Karen Khachanov

These two have met five times on the ATP tour, with the Spaniard leading 3-2. However, it is important to note that the Russian has enjoyed success when the two have clashed on the hard courts.

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Pablo Carreno Busta vs Karen Khachanov: Prediction

Pablo Carreno Busta
Pablo Carreno Busta

Both players will come into the match, high on confidence after their recent success in Tokyo this week. While the Russian will bank heavily on his big serve and powerful ground strokes, the Spaniard would want his opponent to get into a slugfest from the baseline. Khachanov will remain aggressive against Busta, but the sixth seed has been impressive in beating big hitters, Daniil Medvedev and Marin Cilic, en-route to the semis. In the end, it could come down to nerves and who plays the big points better. For the moment though, Busta’s chances appear decent.

Match Prediction: Pablo Carreno Busta should win in three sets.

Also read: Tokyo Olympics 2020: Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev Preview, Head to Head and Prediction