Karen Khachanov’s recent resurgence has propelled him back into the Top 10 contender conversation. After claiming the Almaty title, he reached the Vienna final, defeating notable opponents like Matteo Berrettini and Alex de Minaur. His impressive run continues in Paris, where he has overcome Christopher O’Connell and the in-form Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Despite a challenging year marred by injuries, Khachanov has rediscovered his form. His improved break rate stems from a strategic shift in his return game, allowing him to extend rallies and capitalize on his baseline prowess. TennisViz and Tennis Data Innovations data indicate a significant improvement in his shot quality across all aspects of the game.
Khachanov’s upcoming opponent, Alexei Popyrin, poses a threat with his powerful serve. However, Khachanov holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage, including a straight-set victory in Doha earlier this year. Khachanov’s recent form and tactical adjustments suggest he is well-equipped to handle Popyrin’s serve.
Khachanov’s resurgence is driven by his determination to end the season strongly and build momentum for 2023. While Popyrin’s recent win over Daniil Medvedev is impressive, Khachanov’s current form and tactical improvements make him the favorite in this matchup.
