World No. 4 Alexander Zverev faces a stern test against No. 22 Karen Khachanov in the Round of 32 at the Cincinnati Open on Thursday, August 15. Zverev has enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, boasting a 46-15 record with two titles and a runner-up finish at Roland Garros. However, his recent form has been shaky, raising concerns ahead of his clash with Khachanov.
Khachanov, on the other hand, has endured a challenging year but is coming off a dominant straight-set victory over Francisco Cerundolo. The Russian is known for his resilience on fast courts and his ability to push opponents to the limit.
Despite Zverev’s impressive season, his recent performances have been alarming. His loss to Arthur Fils in the Hamburg final and his struggles against Lorenzo Musetti and Sebastian Korda have exposed weaknesses in his game, particularly his forehand. If he fails to address these issues, Khachanov could exploit them.
Khachanov’s all-court ability and confidence-boosting win over Cerundolo make him a formidable opponent. He has also defeated Zverev twice in their head-to-head history, suggesting he is not intimidated by the German.
Given Zverev’s recent struggles and Khachanov’s resurgence, the Russian is a tempting pick to cover +1.5 sets. His ability to extend sets and his potential to steal one or two could prove decisive in this intriguing matchup.
