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Karen Khachanov extinguishes Frances Tiafoe in Australian Open 3rd round

We thought that as in his finest hours in New York, when he reached the semi-finals at the US Open last year, Frances Tiafoe (17th in the world) would end up setting the stadium on fire. Led two sets to nothing, a little off, without the grinta that sometimes accompanies him, and drunk with blows from a Karen Khachanov (20th) in his more rational aggressor register, the American gradually returned to the game.

Passed two points from the defeat at 6-5 in the fourth set, when he had regained his science in touch and improbable trajectories, he then delivered a thunderous start to the tie-break, chaining the winning points on counterattacks, laser attacks or serves, until leading six points to one. Before collecting … six points in a row with an unstoppable Khachanov under pressure, and taking advantage of some American largesse. What a decisive game!

First qualification in 8th in Melbourne for Khachanov

After saving five set points, the Russian got a first match point (winning service from Tiafoe), saved a 6th set point (unforced error from Tiafoe), followed up with a second match point (cross drop from Tiafoe) before concluding in the third, on a final service winner.

Well supported by his commitment (19 aces), his ability to manage pressure (11 break points saved out of fourteen conceded), Khachanov finally dominated this batting duel by committing fewer unforced errors (27 against 53). The former world No. 8 reached the round of 16 for the first time in Melbourne, where he will be opposed to the Japanese Nishioka, in this part of the table relieved of Nadal. And Tiafoe has lost his last six matches against a member of the top 20. A sad way to celebrate his 25th birthday.

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