Renowned Soviet and Russian tennis figure Andrey Olkhovsky weighed in on what to expect from Karen Khachanov as he prepared for the French Open second round. The veteran analyst believes Khachanov will carry himself with noticeably more assurance in the upcoming match, a natural progression after a grueling opener. In Olkhovsky’s view, the second round will push Khachanov to apply a steadier, smarter approach from the outset, rather than jumping into high-risk play. He praised Khachanov for reaching the second round and navigating a demanding first hurdle, noting that the effort itself deserved recognition. It is the kind of performance that signals growth, resilience, and a steady climb back to peak form, something observers have come to expect from Khachanov when the stakes are highest.
Olkhovsky spoke with confidence about Khachanov’s demeanor on court, describing him as a competitor who understands the balance between aggression and control. The expectation is that Khachanov will adopt a more conservative opening strategy, allowing the match to unfold and revealing his tactical depth as the rally lengthens. This measured start would give him an opportunity to assess his opponent’s patterns, conserve energy for the late stages, and seize momentum at the moments that matter most. The analyst emphasized that Khachanov’s path to victory in Paris has often hinged on that blend of disciplined defense and precise offense, a combination that has served him well in big tournaments and high-pressure settings.
In the opening round, Khachanov faced the veteran opponent Constant Letien and experienced a tough first half before righting the ship. Although the scoreboard showed a challenging start with the early sets slipping away, Khachanov found his stride as the match progressed, turning the tide in his favor with a dramatic overhaul in the latter sets. The final journey to victory came through a bold resurgence, capped by a decisive late surge. The performance demonstrated Khachanov’s ability to reset in real time, regroup under pressure, and execute the shot-making required to outlast a stubborn foe. Observers noted the mental fortitude on display and applauded the way Khachanov translated adversity into a catalyst for improvement.
Looking ahead, the second-round opponent has been confirmed as Moldovan player Radu Albot. Albot is known for his tenacity and experience, having already navigated a multi-set victory over American Patrick Kipson to reach this stage. The four-set win showcased Albot’s resilience, his ability to adapt mid-match, and a habit of grinding through long rallies that test an opponent’s endurance. For Khachanov, the meeting with Albot will be a test of consistency and strategic patience, two hallmarks of Khachanov’s best performances. The clash promises to hinge on precise ball placement, effective serve returns, and the ability to break serve at crucial junctures. As the French Open progresses, Khachanov’s team will likely focus on maintaining rhythm, managing energy, and exploiting the subtle cues that reveal Albot’s preferred patterns.
Olkhovsky’s assessment underscores a broader factor behind Khachanov’s potential success at Roland Garros: the capacity to convert experience into execution when the pressure mounts. The Russian player has long been valued for his athleticism, mental resilience, and upper-body power, all of which can be optimized with a disciplined, match-by-match plan. If Khachanov can translate the second-round challenge into continued momentum, he will reinforce his status as a formidable contender on clay. The French Open, with its demanding surface and strategic demands, offers a stage where Khachanov’s blend of power, consistency, and tactical awareness can shine. Supporters watching from Canada and the United States will be tracking not only the result but also the way Khachanov shapes points in crucial moments, leveraging his ability to mix strong baseline play with occasional forays to the net when opportunities present themselves. The trajectory suggests a promising run ahead, provided he maintains the balance between aggression and restraint that has characterized his best clay-court campaigns, and the insights from analysts like Olkhovsky continue to frame his approach as the tournament evolves. [Citation: Olkhovsky commentary on Khachanov at the French Open]