2021 Australian Open Third Round – Karen Khachanov vs Matteo Berrettini Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Karen Khachanov vs Matteo Berrettini taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne
When is Karen Khachanov vs Matteo Berrettini on and what time does it start? Saturday 13th February, 2021 – not before 06:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Karen Khachanov vs Matteo Berrettini? Click here to reach the official 2021 Australian Open ticket selection
What channel is Karen Khachanov vs Matteo Berrettini on? The 2021 Australian Open will be televised on Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedule for this specific match
Where can I stream Karen Khachanov vs Matteo Berrettini in the UK? Sky customers can stream this match on the Sky Go app. Alternatively, the match can be streamed to subscribers of Eurosport Player, either on the official website or as an add-on to an Amazon Prime subscription
THE LOWDOWN
KAREN KHACHANOV
- This tournament looks to be just what world number 20 Karen Khachanov needed to recalibrate his game after a dismal 2020 season as he looked in good shape in his straight-sets win over Ricardas Berankis.
- 24-year-old Khachanov has never beaten Matteo Berrettini in three previous attempts now, losing to the Italian at the Sofia Open, Stuttgart Open and Halle in 2019.
MATTEO BERRETTINI
- Ninth seed Matteo Berrettini has been tested in his two Australian Open matches so far by Kevin Anderson in the first round and Tomas Machac on Thursday, who took the Italian to four sets.
- 24-year-old Berrettini has already surpassed his best showing at the Australian Open by reaching the third round but the world number 10 has some way to go to match his semi-final loss at the 2019 US Open.
THE PREDICTION
This match looks like five sets if both players bring their peak form into this and Karen Khachanov looks to be on the mend after a crisis of confidence stopped him in the latter stages of many a tournament last season. Four sets against Czech youngster Tomas Machac suggests that Berrettini can be got at here and if Khachanov is in the correct mindset for a long match he can be an absolute brick wall beat down on the baseline. Both players to take a set here seems a given, and Matteo Berrettini should be the one coming through come the end of it. As a separate punt, take this match to go the distance between two remarkably fit, powerful players.
