ATP Japan Open Tennis: Frances Tiafoe vs Aslan Karatsev Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

It is time for the Japan Open and some of the best players in the world will go head-to-head against each other to lay their hands on the prestigious title. It is the round of 32 here in Japan and American sensation Frances Tiafoe will go head-to-head against Aslan Karatsev. The American player, who saw a disappointing result at the Shanghai Masters, will be looking to return to winning ways and lay his hands on the title again.

Karatsev, on the other hand, would be making sure to give a tough fight to his American opponent. However, as the match etches closer, fans begin to wonder: Who among the two will make it through to the next round?

Frances Tiafoe vs Aslan Karatsev: preview

Frances Tiafoe has had a good 2023 year where he managed to bag 37 wins out of 55 matches played. This also includes his title-winning run at the Stuttgart Open and the United Cup. At the recently concluded US Open, he managed to secure his way into the quarter-finals of the tournament. The same was the case at the Australian Open as well this year.

However, his recent run of form has been quite concerning. He will be entering the tournament after losing 4 matches in a row. From a first-round defeat at the Shanghai Masters to losing his matches at the Davis Cup where he represented America, he has lost touch at the moment. However, he would be looking to keep this aside and ready himself for what’s coming next.

On the other hand, Aslan Karatsev has had an okayish run this year and has bagged 28 wins out of a possible 48. The 30-year-old player, who made an excellent run at the Zhuhai Championship defeated Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie to make his way into the semi-finals.

Hoping to make it big at the Japan Open, he will be looking to perform his level-best game and silence the critics. However, it is only time that will reveal his heroics.

Tiafoe vs Karatsev: head-to-head

So far, the two have faced off against each other for a total of 2 times. Out of these, Tiafoe has managed to bag wins on both occasions thereby maintaining a 100% win record against his Russian opponent. Interestingly, both of the matches were played this year.

One was played in the round of 64 at the French Open where the American managed to defeat the Russian player in a 4-set encounter. Their second clash came at the Citi Open where Tiafoe playing on his home soil made full use of it and managed to secure a win by defeating Karatsev 7-6, 7-6.

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Prediction: Frances Tiafoe to land a hard-fought win

With the form that Tiafoe is in at the moment, he would have to pull in some extra effort to land a victory. After bagging 37 wins from 55 matches, he would like to end the year on a high and lay his hands on the title here at the Japan Open. Known for his aggressive game style and athleticism, Tiafoe could pose some challenges to the Russian player.

Not only this, he would also be looking to maintain a 100% win record in the head-to-head encounter between the two. Karatsev, on the other hand, has the ability to turn defence into attack and much more. Thus, he could pose many challenges to the American player.

Who do you think could win the match? Please let us know about this in the comments below!

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