Khachanov vs Blockx Prediction 9 September 2026
🔊 Karen Khachanov is one win away from matching his best result at the US Open, a semi-final run in 2022. Standing in his way is Alexander Blockx, who not only made his Major main-draw debut at this year's tournament but also became the first Belgian in the Open Era to reach a quarter-final at a Grand Slam. The two are nine years apart in age. After his win over 20-year-old Learner Tien, Khachanov was asked whether he was ready to take on yet another young opponent - he replied that he doesn't feel old himself, and joked that he might consider shaving, just to leave the crowd in no doubt about his youth.
Head-to-Head
📊 Karen Khachanov and Alexander Blockx have never previously met.
Karen Khachanov Player Overview
Former world number eight Karen Khachanov had a dreadful North American hard-court summer, finishing that stretch without a single win from three matches. He arrived at the US Open ranked 50th, so few expected much from him in New York - yet he has beaten Román Andrés Burruchaga (6-3, 6-0, 6-1), Felix Auger-Aliassime (6-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2), Benjamin Bonzi (6-3, 6-2, 6-4) and, most recently, Learner Tien in a gruelling five-setter that lasted nearly four hours (7-5, 4-6, 6-7, 6-1, 6-4).
During the summer slump, Khachanov's hold percentage dropped to 73%, though he is fundamentally a power player. His serve travels at over 210 km/h, bringing him an average of nearly ten aces per match. He is also a baseliner who prefers to construct points from the back of the court. His heavy topspin forehand lands deep, pushing opponents behind the baseline. The backhand is flatter and more consistent, not particularly suited to attacking, though on return it produces 43% break-point conversion.
Match Results: Karen Khachanov
Alexander Blockx Player Overview
Alexander Blockx finished the summer hard-court swing with a flat 2-2 record, but after Wimbledon he appeared on court considerably more often than Khachanov, reaching the final of the clay ATP 250 in Estoril. His other main results in 2026, which carried him into the top 40, also came on clay: a semi-final run at the Madrid Masters. On hard courts he has shone only at the second-tier level, winning a Challenger title in Canberra in January.
Among the opponents he has beaten at this Major, the standout names are Marco Trungelliti (6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1), Flavio Cobolli (6-7, 6-3, 6-0, 6-1) and Francisco Cerúndolo (6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5). The match against the Argentine was played through pain: Blockx hurt his back during the match, took a medical timeout and at one point considered retiring, but finished on painkillers and took the win. Blockx is a versatile player whose game is built around his movement - he can come to the net or mirror his opponent from the baseline. That said, despite holding 79% of his service games, his serve lacks power. His main weapon is a sharp forehand, while his two-handed backhand, unlike Khachanov's, is not purely defensive.
Match Results: Alexander Blockx
Key factors
- Karen Khachanov has won 6 of his last 7 five-set matches with a handicap of -3.5 games.
- Khachanov faced stronger opposition through the US Open main draw.
- Alexander Blockx's main results on hard courts this season have come at Challenger level.
- There are concerns over the Belgian's physical condition following back problems in his previous match.
Expected scenario
Karen Khachanov will likely try to extend rallies as much as possible, making the Belgian work hard on the run to test his injured back. Alexander Blockx, for his part, will need to keep rallies short, take more risks on return, use drop shots regularly and break the rhythm with frequent net approaches, to prevent the Russian from settling into his characteristic power game.
Outcome Prediction
Recent results and the quality of opposition faced during this Major support Karen Khachanov's status as favourite, despite Alexander Blockx's higher ranking. Khachanov has considerably more experience in five-set matches, whereas for the Belgian this is his first appearance in a US Open main draw.
⭐ Editor's Pick
This match looks set to be a gruelling baseline battle, with Alexander Blockx's physical condition a key factor alongside Karen Khachanov's ability to take control early through his powerful serve and heavy topspin forehands. The Belgian's fitness remains uncertain after he finished his previous match having received pain-killing injections. It is worth noting that Blockx has had recurring back problems throughout his still-short career, so it seems unlikely they will have fully cleared up in such a short space of time. That said, even with Blockx fully fit, Khachanov would have every chance of winning, given his greater experience and a power-based game that suits hard courts well. We go with the bookmakers on this one and back Khachanov to Win.
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Betting Tips: Karen Khachanov - Alexander Blockx
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