2021 US Open First Round – Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris taking place? Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris on and what time does it start? Tuesday 31st August, 2021 – not before 16:00 (UK)
What surface is Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris being played on? Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris
What channel is Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris
Where can I stream Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Karen Khachanov vs Lloyd Harris live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
KAREN KHACHANOV
25-year-old Karen Khachanov looks to be on the road back to his best form, where he reached a career-high eighth in the ATP world rankings back in 2018. The Russian has enjoyed an excellent summer, winning a Silver Medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games as well as reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon back in July. After enduring a long spell of poor form, Khachanov’s last four defeats have come at the hands of top 20 players which is much more respectable. He should be targeting the round of 16 at least here.
LLOYD HARRIS
24-year-old Lloyd Harris has enjoyed his best season on tour so far with a first ATP 500 final reached, where he lost to Aslan Karatsev in Dubai, and an incredible victory over Rafael Nadal at the Washington Open earlier this month. The South African also beat then world number four Dominic Thiem on his way to the Dubai final and notable other big wins include Stan Wawrinka, Denis Shapovalov and Grigor Dimitrov. It will not be long before Harris improves on his best Grand Slam showing so far with a third round exit at this season’s Australian Open.
THE PREDICTION
If you were looking for potential five-setters in the first round of the US Open this looks a fine candidate in a first meeting between Karen Khachanov and Lloyd Harris. The pair have played four five-set matches between them this season, with Khachanov especially a real grafter on court with his powerful, hard-to-beat but fairly metronomic baseline game. Harris is the kind of player who will gladly beat anybody who does not turn up with their best level but Khachanov’s run to the Wimbledon quarter-finals last month was nothing short of exemplary and he will be the favourite to make it through here. For want of a difficult winner, take both players to win a set. It could be worth a one-off on this to see five sets too.
