Khachanov Faces Passaro in Third Round of Italian Open

ROME, Italy — The 2025 ATP Italian Open continues as 23rd seed Karen Khachanov takes on wild card Francesco Passaro in the third round. The match is set to take place on Sunday at 11:00 AM ET, marking their first head-to-head meeting.

Khachanov, who received a bye in the first round, began his campaign with a tough three-set win against Roman Burruchaga. In contrast, Passaro has shown impressive form, defeating qualifier Jason Tseng in three sets before winning against Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets.

Having won seven singles titles, Khachanov enters the match as the more experienced player, while Passaro, who turned pro in 2019, brings youthful energy and motivation. This season has been inconsistent for Khachanov, who struggled with early exits after a third-round finish at the Australian Open. He reached the semifinals in Barcelona but has not gone past the Round of 16 in most tournaments.

Despite his challenges, Khachanov has maintained strong statistics, recording 104 aces and a 73% first-serve win rate. However, his 36% conversion rate on break points suggests areas for improvement.

On the other hand, young Italian Passaro celebrated his first Grand Slam win at the Australian Open and showcased determination with a four-set victory against Benjamin Bonzi. Nevertheless, injuries have somewhat hampered his progress this season, resulting in a modest 1-2 record.

The latest simulations predict Khachanov as the likely winner, with a 70% win probability according to betting experts. The crowd at Foro Italico is expected to support Passaro, adding to the atmosphere of the match.

With both players bringing unique strengths to the court, fans can anticipate an exciting contest on the clay courts of Rome.