The scheduled ATP 250 final in Almaty will indeed be an intriguing contest between experienced Russian top-30 player Karen Khachanov and rising star Gabriel Diallo of Canada. This provides a great contrast in experience with the matchup for one on the rise. Khachanov is an experienced player with an aggressive game, ranked ATP 26, while Diallo has been one of the stars of the year so far, in perfect consistency and prowess at ATP 118. Whose game will outshine the other as Khachanov's tactical depth looks to clip Diallo's fearless rise in this final?.
The only head-to-head encounter between the two came at the ATP 1000 in Montreal last August when Khachanov prevailed 2-0 comfortably. But Diallo is a much changed man from that encounter, and Khachanov can ill-afford to believe the Canadian's improvement might be cosmetic.
Grab Signup BonusKaren Khachanov
Karen Khachanov comes into the final following a very tough 2-1 victory over Aleksandar Vukic, showing grit at crucial junctures. He provided 15 aces and converted 78% of his first-service points, underlining his powerful serving game. Khachanov will look forward to dictating the rallies from the baseline and thus trying to utilize his higher ranking and experience to neutralize Diallo's assault.
Khachanov will most likely look to rely on his heavy serve and forehand to try and take control of the rallies. He will have to be leading behind his first serve and be able to get on his backhand to set up points in attack. Khachanov will also seek to exploit Diallo's inconsistency in return games, particularly when it comes to second serves.
Gabriel Diallo
Meanwhile, Gabriel Diallo is in good form with an 8-2 mark over his last 10 outings. He defeated Facundo Cerundolo in the semifinals with a convincing straight-set win, 6-4, 6-2, as his confidence becomes much higher. The serve of Diallo has been great so far, with 73% first-serve accuracy and winning 100% of his second-serve points while saving all his break points in the previous match. These statistics underpin Diallo's confidence under pressure, something that might be decisive in this final.
Meanwhile, Diallo will look to bring his fearless game as witnessed in the last encounter. The strong first serve will really test Khachanov, who, though very reliable in return games, might have some difficulties provided that Diallo delivers at high percentages consistently. Crisper groundstrokes and aggressive net play from Diallo will be important, especially if he can force Khachanov on the back foot.
Expert Betting Tips
The experience should favor Khachanov, who, with his heavy serve and forehand, should be able to dominate large parts of the match. However, Diallo has wielded his serve as an effective weapon all week, and if he continues to maintain his high first-serve percentage, he could keep the Russian at bay.
With Khachanov on a 3-game winning streak and more experience on the ATP Tour, he comes in as a favorite, but the current form of Diallo cannot be overlooked. The real tussle will be that between Diallo's serve and Khachanov's ability to return effectively. If Khachanov can neutralize Diallo's serve and impose his rhythm from the baseline, he should come through this contest.
- Karen Khachanov Wins @ 1.64 Odds
- Karen Khachanov (-1.5) Games Handicap @ 1.72 Odds
- Karen Khachanov Wins First Set @ 1.66 Odds