Hamburg Open 2022: Aslan Karatsev vs. Nikoloz Basilashvili Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2022 Hamburg Open as Nikoloz Basilashvili takes on Aslan Karatsev in the Round of 32 on Tuesday, July 19th, 2022.

Will Nikoloz Basilashvili get the win? Will Aslan Karatsev pull off the upset? This will be a fascinating one, where we have two of the most aggressive players in the world clashing on their least preferred surface. Who will triumph and move on to the Round of 16 at the 2022 Hamburg Open?

Nikoloz Basilashvili does not have the best record on clay, but as he usually does, he has had a few great spurts on the surface. In terms of form, he is no doubt the heavy favorite coming into this one against Aslan Karatsev. He doesn’t have the best form right now anyway, but not only is it higher than that of his opponent, but his game is simply more built for the surface. He has a less flaky serve, and more steady/heavy groundstrokes to allow for more time on the clay.

Aslan Karatsev has not had a good year, he had a promising start this year in Australia, but has since had quite the slump. It likely won’t be getting any better as he comes up against Nikoloz Basilashvili, who isn’t just in better form than him, but has a much better record and game on the surface. I expect Karatsev to have his usual fight, but Basilashvili will take him down in the end as the Georgian seeks a place in the Round of 16 at the 2022 Hamburg Open.

Nikoloz Basilashvili and Aslan Karatsev have never met before, with this being their first career meeting. It’s an interesting matchup, with both players possessing hyper aggressive gamestyles, always looking to rip the ball. On the clay though, both of their tactics are nullified, let’s see who can handle it better as the two clash for a spot in the last 16 at the 2022 Hamburg Open.