Rafael Nadal will face familiar foe Karen Khachanov in round three of the Australian Open on Friday. A blockbuster slate of matches in the top half of the bracket also includes Denis Shapovalov, who is going up against Reilly Opelka.
(28) Karen Khachanov vs. (6) Rafael Nadal
Nadal and Khachanov will be going head-to-head for the eighth time in their careers when they clash in round three of the Australian Open on Friday. All seven of their previous encounters have gone Nadal’s way, to the extent that this is one of the most lopsided matchups on tour right now. The 35-year-old is 16-1 lifetime in total sets at Khachanov’s expense. They have not squared off since 2019, when Nadal prevailed in a pair of tiebreakers at the Indian Wells Masters before getting the job done 6-3, 7-6(7) in the Davis Cup Finals.
After missing the last three months of 2021 because of a foot injury, Nadal is off to a roaring start this season. The 20-time Grand Slam champion triumphed at the Melbourne 250 and so far this fortnight has erased Marcos Giron and Jannick Hanffman in straight sets. Khachanov held off Denis Kudla in a fourth-set tiebreaker before easing past Benjamin Bonzi 6-4, 6-0, 7-5 on Wednesday. The 30th-ranked Russian is the kind of player that can give Nadal problems and their set scores have actually been close for the most part even though the Spaniard has taken almost every one. Expect a competitive contest, but there is no reason to think Nadal is bowing out at this point of the event.
Pick: Nadal in 4
(23) Reilly Opelka vs. (14) Denis Shapovalov
Tiebreakers can be expected to rule the day when Shapovalov and Opelka collide for the second time in their careers. Shapovalov played three of them against Soonwoo Kwon during a five-set victory on Wednesday and Opelka’s game style is obviously such that service breaks are few and far between. It is no surprise that their only previous meeting went to a third-set tiebreaker, won by Shapovalov 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6) at 2017 Queen’s Club qualifying.
Opelka is looking good with straight-set defeats of Kevin Anderson and Dominik Koepfer–requiring only two tiebreakers in the process. Like most contests involving the 6’11” American, this one could go either way. But Shapovalov was a semifinalist at Wimbledon last summer and he is more likely to continue his Grand Slam success Down Under. In a best-of-five situation, the 14th-ranked Canadian should have the upper hand late in the proceedings.
Pick: Shapovalov in 4
It’s Mannarino next for Rafa.
I”m hoping that’s a good thing for Rafa? I know Mannarino is a very tricky player. Not much power, but very, very crafty.
Delighted with how delighted Rafa is about his win v Khachanov! He was able to really raise his game and he’s clearly thrilled about that. Cautious optimism, folks! Rafa’s had a really tough year and a half and that foot problem is still there and always will be. Under control, for the moment, I guess…
much easier matchup than Karat
Definitely! Especially as I don’t think he’s ever played Karat Man.
I worry when Rafa has to play big servers because they take the racquet out of your hands as they can easily serve their way out of as many break points as you like.
The good news is that Rafa knows Mannarino. I don’t believe he has played Karatman. So no surprises in this one. Rafa did get some luck with his draw.
I really want to see this match. They didn’t show it on the tennis channel. Espn is replaying matches at 2:00 pm. I am out so I recorded it. But there was the five set Berrettini/Alcazar match. Shapo’s went four sets. Rafa’s match four sets. I don’t think they will show his match in its entirety. He said this was his best match and I am anxious to see what I can.
NNY, Tennis Channel showed Rafa’s 4th set v Khach at 2 pm est They may replay it later. Who knows with those people?
Ramara,
Thanks for that. I am so furious over the lack of coverage for his match. It is a disgrace. I recorded the wrong channel. I recorded ESPN while I was out when they had their replay coverage at 2:00 pm.
I have been trying to go back and forth between the two channels. Now I am watching the tennis channel.
I checked out YouTube for the highlights of the match. But it is not a substitute for seeing the whole match.
It tests my patience. 🤬