Match Details
Fixture: (2) Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov
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Date: October 27, 2026
Tournament: Vienna Open
Round: Round of 32
Venue: Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Indoor Hard
Prize Money: $3,150,000
Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – Sky Sports | Canada – TSN
Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov preview
Carlos Alcaraz faces a difficult opening test at the 2026 Erste Bank Open in Vienna on Tuesday, where he takes on Karen Khachanov in the first round.
Alcaraz arrives after an early exit at the Shanghai Masters, losing to Zizou Bergs in the third round, and will be looking to regain momentum as the indoor hard-court season continues. He has already won three titles in 2026, including the Japan Open in Tokyo, and will be aiming to find his best level again in Vienna after a less convincing outing in Shanghai.
Khachanov, meanwhile, arrives after reaching the semifinals of the US Open, one of his strongest Grand Slam performances in recent years. The Russian has also enjoyed a solid Asian swing, reaching the quarterfinals in Beijing and the fourth round in Shanghai before competing in Almaty. His powerful first serve and flat groundstrokes make him a dangerous opponent on indoor hard courts, where he can dictate points quickly and put pressure on an opponent’s return game.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov head-to-head
Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 6-0, including a tough victory in the quarterfinals in Doha earlier this year, where the Spaniard won in three sets.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov odds
(Odds via BetMGM)
Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov prediction
Alcaraz should have the advantage against Khachanov in their Vienna Open first-round clash, but the Russian has the power to make this a competitive contest on indoor hard courts. Alcaraz arrives with a 33-5 record for the season and is looking to regain match rhythm after losing to Zizou Bergs in the third round of the Shanghai Masters. The Spaniard has also spoken about needing more competition after spending several months sidelined by a wrist injury earlier in the year.
Khachanov, however, cannot be taken lightly after reaching the US Open semifinals and showing resilience in Almaty, where he saved match points against Machac before losing to Bublik in the quarterfinals. His powerful serve and heavy groundstrokes can trouble Alcaraz, especially if he keeps the rallies short and takes advantage of any inconsistency from the Spaniard. Khachanov will need to serve effectively and take his chances on return to put pressure on the former World No. 1.
Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 6-0, including a three-set victory in Doha earlier this year after losing the opening set. His movement, variety and ability to change direction should help him handle Khachanov’s power, although the Russian’s recent form could make the opening set tight. Alcaraz remains my pick to advance, but he may need three sets to get the job done.
Pick: Alcaraz to win in three sets.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov betting tips
Tip 1: The match will have at least 22 games.
Tip 2: No set will have a tiebreak.
Edited by Pritha Ghosh
