Roman Andres Burruchaga vs Karen Khachanov Prediction U.S. Open - New York · Aug 31, 2026

Analysis

No recent-form or head-to-head data was supplied for this fixture, so this preview stays qualitative and leans on profile, surface and format. Khachanov is an established top-tier hard-court player whose game — a heavy first serve, flat forehand and the ability to shorten points — travels perfectly to the fast, high-bouncing New York courts. Burruchaga is fundamentally a clay-court craftsman whose strengths are grinding rallies, heavy topspin and defence, all of which are diluted on a quick hard court where he gets rushed and has fewer chances to build a point. Best-of-five is the second problem for the underdog: over five sets the physical and serving edge of the bigger man compounds rather than evens out, and one hot set is rarely enough. Burruchaga's realistic path is an early break while Khachanov is still finding his range in a first-round match, which is exactly why a set for the Argentine is more likely than an outright upset. Straight sets for Khachanov is the base case, with a competitive set or two along the way.