Seong Chan Hong vs Karen Khachanov Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Washington Citi Open

Prediction published on 30/07/2024, 01:55  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 30/07/2024 at 02:02 in Tennis Predictions

Third seed Karen Khachanov begins his Washington Open campaign with a second-round tie against qualifier Seong-chan Hong. Heading into this match scheduled for Wednesday, here’s a look at the numbers and a prediction.

Seon-chang Hong defeated Adam Walton in straight sets in the first round. This was his first win in the main draw of a tour event. The South Korean began his debut in DC in the qualifying rounds and has now won three matches without losing a set.

Making it to this round has moved Hong 14 places in the live ranking and into 161st place. The 27-year-old has predominantly played in the challenger circuit and has compiled a 32-21 record. All 32 of his wins have been registered on hard courts.

Karen Khachanov is returning to hard courts after a disappointing grass season in which he won just once in four matches. The Russian also had a poor end to his clay campaign and has now won only twice in his last seven appearances.

Being back on hard courts should have him confident of putting his struggles behind him. Khachanov is an exceptional hard-court player and this season has won 10 of 15 matches on this surface. This strong record handed him his sixth tour title when he triumphed in Doha in February.

The 28-year-old, who has won only once in three appearances in DC, is ranked 21st in the ATP. This first career meeting between the two players will produce a winner to face Alex Michelsen or Mattia Bellucci for a place in the quarter-finals.