Novak Djokovic is generally at his best in the business ends of tournaments. Karen Khachanov of Russia is next up to try and put an end to the all-time-great’s bid for a third French Open title in Tuesday’s quarterfinal showdown.
Novak Djokovic will not face Rafael Nadal in the 2023 edition of the French Open. The Spaniard, holder of a record 14 Roland Garros crowns, is out for the 2023 season due to hip surgery. Still, a third French Open title is in no way guaranteed for the world No. 3. Djokovic is staring down the prospect of a semifinal with top seed and oddsmakers’ favorite Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish sensation who won the U.S. Open in 2022.
Before he faces a potential semifinal with Alcaraz, however, Djokovic will take on the stalwart Karen Khachanov — who has made a business of getting to the business end of tournaments in the past year. The Russian has made the semifinals in his last two majors and eyes up another in Paris. The difficulty for the No. 13 seed is that while he hasn’t beaten Djokovic in a long time, he has done a fair bit of losing.
The two men are no strangers to each other. This will be their 10th encounter since 2018 in a head-to-head series that Djokovic has dominated emphatically. The Serb owns an 8-1 record over Khachanov, with the underdog’s lone win coming back in 2018 and Djokovic’s coming frequently ever since — including four victories just last year.
There is little to suggest that Khachanov will be in any better position to trouble Djokovic than he has been in the past. While the 36-year-old has not been dominant this clay season (even without Nadal sucking up titles as usual), Khachanov simply doesn’t have the sort of game that gives Djokovic difficulty.
Cheryl pick: Djokovic in 3
Ricky pick: Djokovic in 4
who ya got?
Not happy to say it, but Joker in 3.
I think Khachanov can steal a set. Novak in 4
It’s a bit of a lottery but you have to remember Djokovic is 36 and hasnt been in the best form and Khachanov did beat Rublev. Sonego was a strong form line also. If Khachanov turns up he should win a set.
“There is little to suggest that Khachanov will be in any better position to trouble Djokovic than he has been in the past.”
There’s plenty to suggest.
Kachanov is 27
Djokovic is 36
Khachnov beat Rublev who won Monte Carlo
Djokovic’s form has been suspect against high quality opponents.
Djokovic just beat a player that had played 3 x 5 setters and didn’t handle the high ball
The high ball won’t work against Khachanov
Kachanov just played an in-form player in a high-pressure match.
I think the probability of Khachanov winning a set is better than 50%. Probably about 65%, but Djokovic 3:0 is a definite possibility.
Nole,
The King is known!
KK can definitely win a set. But don’t believe he has the game to win. Novak is too steady.
I am still not very convinced by Novak’s level. Haven’t watched much of his matches but don’t think he is playing at his normal level.
KK’s tennis brain is not good…why does he constantly hit back to Novak rather than go for the space on the court?
Ball bouncing high. Imagine what Rafa could do with these conditions…😪
Imagine missing that smash on break point!
Well done KK. finally!
Novak making mistakes. Has been doing so for months.
Bravo Karen!
That first point forehand miss from Novak was characteristic of the errors he has been making for months.
His fh isn’t at elite level right now.
Wow. 5-4 30 all and Novak missed a routine bh rallying ball.
Hmmm… Unusual silence here.
Amy must have lost the TV signal and was unable to watch the rest of the match.
Or… she lost her internet connection?
I had to do other things! Besides I knew Novak was going to win after the second set..
Not sure who I am replying to..?
Apparently Novak was much better in the third and fourth sets.
But he can’t play like he did in the first 2 sets against Alcaraz. If he does, he will lose.
Assuming it is Alcaraz…
I have been looking at the field and i realise y Rafa has won this 14 times!! There’s just no comparison to him on this surface!! Rafa definitely missed out on a 15th FO trophy this year!! Sigh!