Astana Open 2022: Karen Khachanov vs. Maxime Cressy Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2022 Astana Open as Karen Khachanov takes on Maxime Cressy in the first round on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022.

Two of the biggest hitters in men’s tennis will collide at the Astana Open as Karen Khachanov takes on the big-serving Maxime Cressy. Both players have played some of their best tennis in 2022, highlighted by their current high ranking. So who will prevail on Tuesday?

Karen Khachanov went into wilderness since he sensationally clinched the Paris Masters in 2018, beating Novak Djokovic in the final. For a plyer who ascended to as high as World No. 8 three years ago, his fall from grace was astounding. However, with a new-found confidence, he began 2022 on clean slate. He reached his first ATP final since that Bercy success in the opening week at the Adelaide International, but lost out to Gael Monfils. That set the tone for a productive season which yielded a Grand Slam semifinal showing at the US Open and a return to the world’s Top 20. Can he put on a show at the Astana Open when he takes on Maxime Cressy?

Maxime Cressy, for his part, has enjoyed a career breakthrough on the main tour. The towering American has been a tough nut to crack for most of 2022. He had reached three ATP finals and memorably lifted his maiden title in Newport in mid-July. Cressy’s title hangover has extended for three months as he has struggled for consistency. In six tournaments since that Newport success, he has only managed to win back-to-back matches once. He arrives at the Astana Open with a 32-25 record for the season.

Karen Khachanov and Maxime Cressy have not crossed paths on the ATP Tour. Tuesday’s match at the Astana Open will be their first official meeting. This should be a close contest as you would expect despite Cressy’s underwhelming form in recent weeks. I think both players will shift focus from winning return points to guarding their serves frequently, so chances of breaking serve will be at a premium. Nonetheless, Cressy’s risk-tolerant approach might cost him another match.