Karen Khachanov secures first victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Miami Open quarter-finals

Karen Khachanov secured his first-ever victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Miami Open quarter-finals, after six previous losses against the Greek.

Khachanov defeats Tsitsipas at Miami Open

The Russian produced an impressive display, winning the match 7-6(4), 6-4 in 93 minutes, and putting an end to his 23-match losing streak against Top 10 players in the ATP rankings.

Khachanov entered the match with a 0-6 head-to-head record against Tsitsipas, but he produced a confident display, full of clean groundstrokes off both wings, on Grandstand. The second-seeded Tsitsipas never found his best level, and Khachanov’s high-energy performance kept him on the back foot throughout the match.

Khachanov’s Persistence Pays Off

Fending off two Tsitsipas break points, Khachanov did not conjure a single one of his own in the first set, which was largely dominated by serve. But the 26-year-old was rewarded for his persistence as he pressured Tsitsipas into a series of backhand errors and claimed the tie-break.

Taking the lead appeared to further galvanize Khachanov, whose precise serving offered Tsitsipas few opportunities to settle into rallies on return. After clinically breaking Tsitsipas’ serve to love in the fifth game, Khachanov showed no sign of nerves as he completed his victory, having won 89% (39/44) of points behind his first delivery.

Khachanov on Restricting Tsitsipas and Winning

Khachanov has now reached the quarter-finals in four of the six tour-level events he has played this year. This sequence includes reaching his second consecutive Grand Slam semi-final at January’s Australian Open, where he ultimately fell to Tsitsipas.

Speaking to the media after the match, Khachanov said, “I just want to continue that way, enjoy the process, and enjoy the journey. It continues.”

“I think [restricting Tsitsipas] was the key,” said Khachanov. “Both of us were serving pretty well in the first set… Then I took it to the tie-break, and in the second set as soon as the opportunity came, I had to take it. Those conditions are pretty quick, so I think it’s crucial to have the first serve going and the first shot after. I think both of us played extremely aggressive, so whoever took the chance first got the win.”

Khachanov Climbs ATP Rankings

Khachanov’s run to his first quarter-final in Miami has lifted him two spots to No. 14 in the ATP rankings. The 26-year-old’s next opponent at Hard Rock Stadium will be the 25th seed Francisco Cerundolo or Lorenzo Sonego.

Khachanov’s impressive performance against Tsitsipas has put him in great form for the rest of the tournament. His victory is also a significant milestone in his career, as he finally broke his losing streak against Top 10 players. With his recent form and confidence, he will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming rounds of the Miami Open.