Khachanov battles past van de Zandschulp to reach Italian Open quarterfinals
Karen Khachanov advanced to the Italian Open quarterfinal after a hard-fought win over Botic van de Zandschulp. The Russian triumphed in three sets, 5:7, 6:4, 6:4, securing his place in the next round after a match lasting over two hours. The contest began with van de Zandschulp taking the opening set 7:5. Despite creating eight break chances, the Dutchman converted only two, while Khachanov managed three from his own eight opportunities. Both players showed strong serving, with van de Zandschulp firing eight aces but struggling with eight double faults. Khachanov, meanwhile, recorded four aces and just two double faults.
Khachanov fought back in the second set, winning 6:4 to level the match. The decider followed a similar pattern, with the Russian eventually closing it out 6:4. His victory extends his momentum on Italian clay ahead of the French Open. Next, Khachanov will face young Croatian Dino Prižmić for a spot in the semifinal.
The win keeps Khachanov’s form strong as he prepares for Roland Garros. His quarterfinal clash against Prižmić will determine whether he continues his run in Rome. The match also marks another step in his bid to build confidence on clay before the next Grand Slam.
