Stefanos Tsitsipas will challenge Karen Khachanov in the Miami Masters 1000 Round of 16 following his three-set victory over Cristian Garin.
Eliminated as soon as he entered the fray in Indian Wells by Jordan Thompson, Stefanos Tsitsipas obviously likes it better on the East Coast of the United States. The Greek will indeed play in the round of 16 of the Masters 1000 in Miami, after his victory in three sets over Cristian Garin. Against the Chilean, 82nd in the world, whom he had beaten during their confrontations on the ATP circuit, the world n°3 won 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 after 2h05 of play.
Author of 12 aces and 63% of first serves, he was broken only once during this match, at 5-4 in the second set on a shutout where he completely broke down. Fortunately for the finalist of the last Australian Open, he had won the first round thanks to a break on his second opportunity at 4-3.
The two men therefore had to play a third set, and after missing two entry break points, Tsitsipas had to wait 4-4 before getting a new one, and he converted it, before concluding without to shiver. For the fourth time in a row, the Greek will therefore see the round of 16 in Miami.
Tsitsipas has never lost to Khachanov
And it will be against Karen Khachanov, the world No. 16! The Russian has indeed defeated the great Czech hope Jiri Lehecka (44th) with the score of 6-2, 6-4 in 1h25. Khachanov served 8 aces and saved the only break point his opponent got. He took his serve at 1-1 and 4-2 in the first set, then at 2-2 in the second to win.
This is the very first time the 26-year-old will play in the Round of 16 in Miami, and it will be for him a revenge of the semi-final of the last Australian Open, where Tsitsipas won in four sets. The Greek also leads 6-0 in his confrontations with the Russian.
