Rogers Cup 2019, Quarterfinal Preview: Nadal seeks revenge against Fognini, Zverev faces Khachanov in battle of young guns

Quarterfinal #3: (3) Alexander Zverev vs (6) Karen Khachanov

2017 Coupe Rogers champion Sascha Zverev is back in the Montreal quarters

One of only two former Coupe Rogers champions left in the draw, Sascha Zverev, the 2017 winner, had the toughest test of his title credentials in the third round, eventually prevailing over Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili in a pulsating deciding set tiebreak.

The young German, a fixture in the top ten for two consecutive years, has had an underwhelming 2019 season, failing to reach the final of a tournament till a title triumph in Geneva just before the French Open.

In the quarterfinal battle of the young guns, he will have his task cut out against fellow top ten player, Karen Khachanov.

Khachanov beats hometown birthday boy Auger-Aliassime to reach the last 8 in Montreal

The Russian, who made his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the French Open, is yet to reach a tournament final this season.

In windy conditions, Khachanov provided an ample display of his grit and determination in an 'ugly win' over birthday boy Felix Auger Aliassime in the third round.

Khachanov will be looking to level his burgeoning rivalry with Zverev at 2 wins apiece and reignite his season with a second Masters 1000 title.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram