By Tony Fairbairn
- Dan Evans [12] def Matteo Arnaldi [Q] 6-4 6-3
- Evans v Karen Khachanov [6] | H2H: Evans leads 3-0
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Dan Evans defeated Italian qualifier Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets to set up a last 16 clash with Karen Khachanov.
 |
|---|
Dan Evans [12] def Matteo Arnaldi [Q] 6-4 6-3
Dan Evans is into the third round in Barcelona after a comfortable victory over Italian qualifier Matteo Arnaldi. Arnaldi had built some good form on the challenger circuit heading into this match and showed that confidence early on by saving break point in the opening game and then creating two break points in the fourth game with some aggressive returning.
However Evans’ court craft saw him survive the early storm from the Italian as he broke in the next game for a 3-2 lead. The Brit’s serve still came under siege throughout the opening set despite the break as Arnaldi produced some great points with consistent baseline play. Evans was forced to save six break points as Arnaldi’s pressure continued throughout the set but the Italian couldn’t produce the final clinical touch as Evans just about took the opening set.
The second set saw more consistency from Evans on both serve and return as he limited the opportunities to break for Arnaldi and secured a crucial break in the opening game. Arnaldi was clinical on serve but the world number 105 made too many errors on return in the crucial moments as Evans was efficient on serve.
After saving two break points in the sixth game, Evans wrapped up the match with his third break of serve of the contest as he survived an aggressive performance from Arnaldi to book his place in the last 16.
Dan Evans [12] v Karen Khachanov [6] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Dan Evans [12] v Karen Khachanov [6] | H2H: Evans leads 3-0 |
| ATP Barcelona 2023 | Barcelona, Spain |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €36,365 |
| Fourth on Pista Andres Gimeno (14:00 BST) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Evans will face Karen Khachanov for a fourth time with the Brit winning all three of their previous meetings.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 12 months)
| H2H: | Dan Evans (WR 26) | Karen Khachanov (WR 11) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R3 (2017) | QF (2017) |
| 1st Serve % | 62.4 | 65.8 |
| Service Games Won % | 76.5 | 85.6 |
| Break Points Saved % | 59.5 | 67.2 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.9 | 50.1 |
| Break Points Converted % | 36.5 | 48.6 |
Evans will need to be wary of the efficient returning of Khachanov heading into this match as the Brit looks to remain consistent on serve.
 |
|---|
Playing Styles and Prediction
Khachanov is continuing to have a good season and won back-to-back matches last week in Monaco as he looks to translate his hard court form onto clay. A consistently good clay court season could result in being a top ten player which would be deserved for a player with such high potential.
Evans will look to continue to frustrate Khachanov with his slice and use of angles on the forehand side. Meanwhile Khachanov will look to use the consistency of the backhand to set up powerful forehand winners. If Evans can execute his tactical gameplan then he should continue to have Khachanov’s number although that will be easier said than done.
Prediction: Evans in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Barcelona 2023
| Live Stream | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |