Khachanov survives five match points to reach Almaty quarter-finals
Karen Khachanov saved five match points to beat Tomas Machac 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(7) in the Almaty second round. He erased four match points while serving at 5-6 in the third set and another in the tiebreak, winning after two hours and 32 minutes. Khachanov will meet Alexander Bublik in the quarter-finals.
Khachanov, seeded fifth and ranked 25th, is the 2024 Almaty champion. He saved four match points while serving at 5-6 in the final set, then erased a fifth in the tiebreak. He recorded 14 aces and made 76% of first serves across two hours and 32 minutes.
Machac raised his first-serve rate from 59% to 76% in the second set and took that set on his third set point with a down-the-line backhand. Khachanov now leads their head-to-head 2-0 and will meet third-seeded Alexander Bublik. This is Khachanov’s 70th quarterfinal at tour level.
Khachanov’s escape could heighten local interest in the Almaty quarterfinal, especially with third-seeded Alexander Bublik next. Fans, ticket-holders, and broadcasters may benefit from a dramatic matchup, while Khachanov could gain confidence for tight indoor sets. The result may also shape ATP ranking and tournament-race narratives for followers, though its wider societal impact is likely limited to the sports audience.