Karen Khachanov, a familiar name on the ATP Tour, faces one of his toughest challenges yet at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, also known as the Rome Masters. With his next match against top seed Carlos Alcaraz, all eyes are on Khachanov to see if he can break past his recent hurdles and advance further in the tournament.

Road to Rome: Khachanov’s Recent Form

Karen Khachanov has navigated a mixed 2025 season so far. He started the Rome Masters with a hard-fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 victory over Roman Andres Burruchaga, followed by a solid win against Francesco Passaro. However, consistency has been elusive this year. Before arriving in Rome, Khachanov had a 9-10 win-loss record—a statistic that highlights both his potential and the challenges he faces on tour.

Facing Carlos Alcaraz: A Huge Obstacle

The upcoming clash between Karen Khachanov and Carlos Alcaraz is a highlight of the Tuesday schedule in Rome. Their previous encounters give Alcaraz the clear advantage; Khachanov trails with an 0-4 record, never having claimed a set against the Spaniard. As an insightful preview at Tennis Grand points out, the statistics are stacked against Khachanov, but the nature of sport always leaves room for surprises. Alcaraz has returned from injury showing strong form, making this match a genuine test for both players.

Khachanov’s Strengths and What He Must Do to Win

To defeat a player like Alcaraz, Khachanov must lean into his aggressive baseline game and serve precision. Staying mentally tough will be key—especially if points don’t go his way early. As featured on the official ATP Tour website, Khachanov has a history of rising to big occasions, even when the odds are against him. Fans hope he can channel that resolve during one of the most demanding matches of his season.

Looking Ahead: The Upside for Khachanov

Even if Karen Khachanov does not advance past Alcaraz, this tournament serves as an important benchmark for his progress in 2025. Beating high-caliber players and playing deep into significant tournaments will add to his experience, preparing him for future success. While his current head-to-head record against top-10 opponents is a challenge, incremental improvements could see him pull off an upset in Rome or in future tournaments.

Conclusion: The Next Steps for Karen Khachanov

Karen Khachanov’s battle against adversity and elite opponents is far from over. Every match played at the Rome Masters, and every rally fought, contributes to his ongoing growth as a competitor. Tennis fans around the world will be watching closely as he tries to upset the odds. For more on this and other major ATP matchups, check out the ATP Tour’s coverage and in-depth previews at Tennis Grand. Will Khachanov take his opportunity, or will this be another step in his journey toward the top?