Tsitsipas’ struggles continue in Miami Open loss to Khachanov

Stefanos Tsitsipas predicted prior to the BNP Paribas Open that he would struggle during the Sunshine Double.

It turns out he was exactly correct.

Tsitsipas, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury since finishing runner-up at the Australian Open, lost right away in Indian Wells to Jordan Thompson and then dropped his second match at the Miami Open to Karen Khachanov. The Greek, who got a first-round bye and also a second-round walkover from Richard Gasquet, at least managed to beat Cristian Garin in his Miami opener. However, he could not get past Khachanov. The Russian won 7-6(4), 6-4 in one hour and 33 minutes to secure a quarter-final spot.

Khachanov, ranked No 16, will go up against either Francisco Cerundolo or Lorenzo Sonego for a place in the semis. The Russian previously defeated Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry (6-1, 3-6, 6-3) and Czech Jiri Lehecka (6-2, 6-4).

First win over Tsitsipas for Khachanov

This is Khachanov’s first win against Tsitsipas after a 0-6 in career since their first meeting. For Khachanov, semi-finalist at the two latest Grans Slams played (US Open 2022, Australian Open 2023), this win is a landmark in career. The Russian had lost his past 14 matches against opponents ranked in the ATP’s top five, with his latest such victory coming against Novak Djokovic in 2018 (Rolex Paris Masters final).

“They say third time is a charm, but for me it took seven times, so I’m super happy,” Khachanov commented. “Not most importantly that I beat Stefanos, but I think with the way I’m playing. After the Australian Open I had some issue with an injury. I came back in Dubai without having played many matches and I’m just happy to continue that level.

“I just want to continue that way, enjoy the process, and enjoy the journey. It continues.”

The American hard-court swing doesn’t continue for Tsitsipas, but he was still in a good enough mood to post a nice sendoff from Miami on his social media channels.

“In Miami, the tennis is as hot as the weather and the competition is fiercer than the Miami Dolphins defense,” the second seed wrote. “Thank you for the great time Miami Open!”

Miami Masters, other last 16 results:

• Quentin Halys vs. Daniil Medvedev : Tuesday in Miami
• Francisco Cerundolo vs. Lorenzo Sonego : Tuesday in Miami
• Adrian Mannarino vs. Christopher Eubanks : Tuesday in Miami
• Carlos Alcaraz (1) beat Tommy Paul (16): 6-4, 6-4 : Tuesday in Miami
• Emil Ruusuvuori beat Botic van de Zandschulp (26): 4-6, 6-4, 7-5
• Taylor Fritz (9) beat Holger Rune (7): 6-3, 6-4
• Jannik Sinner (10) beat Andrey Rublev (6): 6-2, 6-4
  

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