Paris previews and predictions: Khachanov vs. Ebden, Tsonga vs. Raonic

Karen Khachanov battles Aussie Matthew Ebden in the Paris Masters second round after Ebden got a lucky-loser spot from Kyle Edmund. Meanwhile, French favorite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga takes on Milos Raonic in the first round.

Karen Khachanov vs (LL) Matthew Ebden

Russia’s Karen Khachanov, ranked a career-high 18th in the world, will take on lucky loser Matthew Ebden in the Paris second round instead of seeded player Kyle Edmund. The Brit discovered fluid behind his left knee and elected to take the rest of the season off to prepare for the 2019 Australian Open.

This will be the first meeting between Khachanov and Ebden. The Aussie, who lost in qualies before replacing Edmund, is ranked 39th in the world. It is a career high for Ebden, as well. He has had an impressive run to the quarters at the Shanghai Masters, beating Frances Tiafoe and Dominic Thiem along the way.

Khachanov snagged his third title of the year a few weeks ago in Moscow. He looks to wrap up his season in style at the last Masters of the year. He defeated Serb Filip Krajinovic in straight sets in the first round.

Cheryl pick: Khachanov in 2

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Milos Raonic vs. (WC) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

It has been a miserable season for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Plagued by a knee injury, the popular Frenchman was limited to just 6 tournaments this year and only one Slam (at the Australian Open). His ranking has plummeted to No. 256 in the world, necessitating a wildcard entry into Paris this week.

If there is any good news for Tsonga, it’s that opponent Milos Raonic–ranked 21st in the world–just lost a rather bizarre match in Vienna to world No. 426 Jurgen Melzer. In fact, the Canadian has absorbed three first-round losses in a row. Still, with Tsonga’s health still in question and likely mounds of rust from lack of play, Raonic should find a way through this one.

Cheryl pick: Raonic in 3

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