In the round of 16 of the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships 2022, top seed Novak Djokovic will encounter Karen Khachanov.
Djokovic had an outstanding 2021 season, winning the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, as well as reaching the US Open final. Although, the Serb was unable to compete in the Australian Open this year due to his unvaccinated status. As a result, he missed out on the opportunity to make history by winning 21 Grand Slams. However, amidst the controversies regarding his form, the World No. 1 appears to be in good shape, having defeated Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets(6-3, 6-3), in the last round. Furthermore, the 20-time Grand Slam winner is expected to hit the finals of the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships 2022.
Ever since the Olympics, Karen Khachanov, the Olympic silver medalist from Tokyo, hasn’t been playing his best game. He did, however, have a strong start to the season, getting to the final of the Adelaide International 1 tournament. Afterwards, having reached the third round of the Australian Open 2022, he quickly got eliminated by Rafael Nadal. Regrettably for the Russian, his quest in the Qatar Open was also cut short as he was beaten in the semi-finals by Roberto Bautista Agut. However, the player refused to bow his head to the circumstances and started his campaign at the Dubai Tennis championship with a splash. He received a three-set triumph against Australia’s Alex de Minaur and Secured his place in the round of 16.
Novak Djokovic Vs Karen Khachanov: Match Details
- Tournament: Dubai Tennis Championships 2022.
- Date: 23 February 2022.
- Venue: Dubai, UAE.
- Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt.
- Round: Round of 16.
- Category: ATP 500.
- Prize money: $2,794,840.
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Novak Djokovic Vs Karen Khachanov: Head-To-Head Records Till Date
The two had already had five run-ins with each other. Novak Djokovic and Karen Khachanov will encounter for the sixth time in the Dubai Tennis Championships. They have a 4-1 head-to-head record, with Djokovic prevailing. The last time they met was in the fourth round of the French Open in 2020, where Djokovic won 6-4 6-3 6-3.
Novak Djokovic Vs Karen Khachanov: Who Will Be The Ultimate Winner?
Djokovic will be the overwhelming favourite going into the match, but Khachanov should not be overlooked. The Russian can worry the Serb with his strong serve and hefty groundstrokes.
Djokovic is in great shape, given he was unable to get a taste for the tour prior to today due to the disruption. On the other hand, Karen Khachanov has played well in the lead-up to this match and is well prepared, but Djokovic, being the more experienced and dependable player, is improbable to be upset by Khachanov. Also, if Djokovic loses this match, his ranking will be jeopardised, with Daniil Medvedev lurking in the shadows, ready to fill his shoes. As a result, he would give it his all to secure the triumph.
Our Prediction: Djokovic to conquer the match in straight sets.
Novak Djokovic’s Last Three Performances
- Dubai Tennis Championships 2022: Round of 32- Novak Djokovic d. Lorenzo Musetti (6-3, 6-3).
- Davis Cup 2021: Semi final- Djokovic d. Marin Cilic (6-4, 6-2).
- Davis Cup 2021: Quarter final- Djokovic d. Alexander Bublik (6-3,6-4).
Karen Khachanov’s Last Three Performances
- Dubai Tennis Championships 2022: Round of 32- Karen Khachanov d. Alex De Minaur (6-3, 6-7(1), 7-5).
- Qatar Open 2022: Semifinals- Roberto Bautista Agut d. Karen Khachanov (2-6, 6-3, 7-5).
- Qatar Open 2022: Quarterfinals- Karen Khachanov d. Marin Cilic (3-6, 6-3, 6-4).
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Novak Djokovic Vs Karen Khachanov: Broadcasting And Livestreaming Details
However, all of the action will be broadcasted live for spectators in the following countries, on the following networks and websites:
- USA: Viewers in the United States can catch all the action on Tennis Channel.
- UK: Enthusiasts in the United Kingdom can watch the action live on Amazon Prime Video.
- India: Tennis TV will broadcast the tournament live in India.
- Europe: European viewers can also enjoy the match live on SkySports.
