Cincinnati: Kovacevic vs Khachanov Odds, Picks & How to Watch
Aleksandar Kovacevic and Karen Khachanov meet in the Cincinnati Open first round on Thursday, August 13, 2026, with both players desperate for an immediate reset. Kovacevic has lost six consecutive matches, while Khachanov enters on a three-match skid. The Russian won their only previous encounter, although Kovacevic took a set and produced 16 aces. Khachanov owns the stronger return game and steadier baseline weapons, but his poor recent form gives the American a genuine opportunity to make this opener uncomfortable.
Searching for more hard-court action? Explore our expert tennis betting guide before building your Cincinnati card.
Kovacevic vs Khachanov Betting Odds
| Market | Reference Odds | Place Bet! |
|---|---|---|
| Aleksandar Kovacevic ML | +215 | Place Bet @ BetMGM |
| Karen Khachanov ML | -262 | Place Bet @ BetMGM |
| O/U | 23.5 Games | +115 | -164 | Place Bet @ BetMGM |
Expert Picks: Kovacevic vs Khachanov
🥇 Best Bet: Under 22.5 Total Games
Kovacevic’s six-match losing streak has exposed his difficulty maintaining pressure once the first serve fades. Khachanov is also struggling, but his deeper returns and heavier groundstrokes should create more break chances. A straight-set result featuring one comfortable set keeps the Under attractive, with scores such as 6-4, 6-3 comfortably beating the listed total on Thursday.
Pick 2: Karen Khachanov -3.5 Games
Khachanov needs only one additional break across two sets to cover this number. Kovacevic converted one of five break opportunities against Nuno Borges and surrendered serve four times. Khachanov’s patient returning should keep the American under pressure, while his two-handed backhand offers greater stability whenever exchanges move beyond the first few shots of the rally.
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Pick 3: Karen Khachanov to Win 2-0
Khachanov’s recent slide makes his expensive moneyline difficult to recommend, but the straight-set market offers more upside. Kovacevic has lost six consecutive matches, and four ended without him winning a set. If Khachanov controls the middle of the court, attacks second serves and repeatedly targets the one-handed backhand, two sets should settle this opening-round contest.
Pick 4: First Set Under 10.5 Games
A 6-4 set is enough to cash this selection. Khachanov can establish control by returning deep and forcing Kovacevic to defend through his backhand, while the American will try to shorten every service point. A tiebreak presents the clearest danger, but Kovacevic’s recent vulnerability behind serve gives Khachanov a realistic path toward an early break.
Kovacevic vs Khachanov Matchup Snapshot
| Category | Aleksandar Kovacevic | Karen Khachanov |
|---|---|---|
| ATP ranking | No. 95 | No. 39 |
| Age | 27 | 30 |
| Height | 6’0” | 6’6” |
| ATP singles titles | 0 | 7 |
| Current losing streak | Six matches | Three matches |
| Head-to-head wins | 0 | 1 |
Key Betting Trends
- Khachanov leads the head-to-head series 1-0.
- Their previous meeting required four sets.
- Khachanov recorded 22 aces in that victory.
- Kovacevic struck 16 aces and won one set.
- Kovacevic enters on a six-match losing streak.
- The American is 1-9 across his previous 10 appearances.
- Khachanov has lost three consecutive matches.
- Kovacevic was broken four times by Borges in Montreal.
- Khachanov created 12 break opportunities in their Australian Open meeting.
- Kovacevic is seeking his first Cincinnati main-draw victory.
- Khachanov owns seven ATP singles titles.
- Both players lost their most recent match without reaching a deciding set.
Where to Watch Kovacevic vs Khachanov in the US
- Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
- Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio
- US television: Tennis Channel
- Primary streaming: Tennis Channel App and Tennis TV
- Additional options: Fubo, DIRECTV Stream and YouTube TV with eligible Tennis Channel packages
- Free coverage: Select matches may be available through Tennis Channel 2
Final Prediction
Neither player enters Cincinnati with confidence. Kovacevic has the more explosive first-strike game, but Khachanov owns the better return, steadier backhand and stronger record in high-level hard-court events. The opening set could remain close while both players search for rhythm. Khachanov should eventually begin reading the American’s serve and creating pressure on second deliveries.
Once the Russian gets ahead, Kovacevic’s recent difficulty stopping momentum swings could become decisive. Expect one competitive set before Khachanov establishes firmer control.
- Prediction: Karen Khachanov wins 6-4, 6-3
- Best Bet: Under 22.5 Total Games
- Spread Pick: Karen Khachanov -3.5 Games
- Set Pick: Karen Khachanov to Win 2-0
- Opening-Set Play: First Set Under 10.5 Games
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