Alexander Shevchenko vs Karen Khachanov Preview & Prediction | 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships | First Round

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Alexander Shevchenko meets Karen Khachanov in the first round at the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships.

Ranking points: ATP 500

Start date/time:

Venue: Aviation Club Tennis Centre, Dubai, UAE

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Alexander Shevchenko vs Karen Khachanov ticket information

Alexander Shevchenko vs Karen Khachanov prediction

Karen Khachanov’s tame start to 2026 has left him teetering on the brink of dropping out of the top 20.

The Russian has chalked up some decent runs without truly impressing yet, but perhaps there were signs that's changing in a tight defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in Doha last time out. 

The seventh seed opens against lucky loser Alexander Shevchenko, an opponent he has a 1-1 head-to-head record with. 

The Kazakhstani world number 79 has been on the rise this year and his consistent results have moved him back inside the top 100. 

There’s certainly scope for an upset here but we feel it’s more likely he can take a set with Khachanov a good bet if he can maintain the levels produced against Alcaraz. 

Alexander Shevchenko vs Karen Khachanov tip: Karen Khachanov to win