Karen Khachanov vs Luciano Darderi Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | Third Round

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Karen Khachanov faces Luciano Darderi at the 2026 Australian Open.

Start date/time:

Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Karen Khachanov vs Luciano Darderi ticket information

Karen Khachanov vs Luciano Darderi prediction

Former semi-finalist Karen Khachanov takes on Luciano Darderi for the first time with a spot in the round of 16 at stake.

The Russian 15th seed enjoyed a routine win over qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy last time out after edging a five-set tussle with American Alex Michelsen in the first round. 

Darderi has notched victories against fellow clay-court specialists Seb Baez and Cristian Garin but may find the going tough on this surface and in these temperatures against a big-hitting opponent.        

Khachanov’s win percentage on a hard court dwarfs the Italian 25th seed’s and although there’s not much between them in the rankings, the conditions, tournament pedigree and power difference makes Karen the obvious pick.

Karen Khachanov vs Luciano Darderi tip: Karen Khachanov to win