Daniel Altmaier vs Karen Khachanov Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Australian Open

Prediction published on 14/01/2024, 06:11  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 14/01/2024 at 07:11 in ATP Australian Open Predictions

15th seed Karen Khachanov begins his Australian Open campaign with a first round match against Daniel Altmaier. For the winner there's a round two match against either unseeded Alejandro Tabilo or the qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic. World number 15 Khachanov had never made it past the third round of this hard court Grand Slam until last year. 2023 was a big year for him though as he made it to the semi-finals losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Russian also got to the last eight at Roland Garros but missed Wimbledon and was beaten in round one at the US Open. The 27-year-old has only played one tournament this year, losing in his first match against Emil Ruussuvouri in three sets. This is his first match against Daniel Altmaier.

His opponent is ranked 57th which is ten places below his career high achieved last October. The German is playing this tournament for only the third time in his career. Both previous appearances saw him beaten in the first round. Last year saw him beaten in four sets by 16th seeded Frances Tiafoe. Altmaier has played two tournaments this year with a best of a quarter final in Auckland. He beat Felix Auger-Aliassime on the way but in the last eight, he retired when a set and 1-0 down to Arthur Fils. We tip Khachanov to get the victory in this match and make it into round two.