🎾 ATP Rome: Roman Andres Burruchaga vs Karen Khachanov

🎾 ATP Rome: Roman Andres Burruchaga vs Karen Khachanov – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

Karen Khachanov

• Tough schedule, not poor form: 10–11 in 2025, with seven losses coming against top-20 players like Medvedev, Zverev, and Tiafoe.
• Versus lower-ranked players: Won 6 of his last 7 matches against opponents ranked outside the top 100.
• Masters consistency: Reached R3 or better at Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid this season with solid performances.
• Reliable power base: Strong serve and baseline game hold up well on clay, particularly when not under elite pressure.

Roman Andres Burruchaga

• Rome breakthrough: Three wins in qualifying, followed by a shock straight-set win over Lorenzo Sonego—his biggest ATP victory.
• Clay pedigree: Semifinalist at the Mauthausen Challenger and a gritty grinder on red dirt.
• Tour inexperience: Just his third ATP main-draw appearance; still building weapons to handle big hitters like Khachanov.
• Notable wins: Beat Diego Schwartzman in Córdoba 2024, showing he can challenge top-tier clay players on the right day.

🔍 Match Breakdown

This is a classic matchup of ATP firepower versus Challenger grit. Khachanov’s serve and forehand should dominate early exchanges, especially against Burruchaga’s more reactive style.

Burruchaga has proven resilience, but lacks the weapons to consistently trouble a player of Khachanov’s caliber unless the Russian falters in rhythm or focus. If Burruchaga can turn it into a physical, long rally-based contest, he may push it deeper than expected—but an upset still seems unlikely.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Khachanov in 3 sets. Burruchaga will earn respect with his fight, but Khachanov’s experience and pace will ultimately prevail on Roman clay.