Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP 's-Hertogenbosch match.
The grass-court swing begins in earnest at 's-Hertogenbosch, and for Karen Khachanov, it’s a chance to rebuild confidence after a quiet spring. A recent exhibition title in Switzerland has set a positive tone, and now he looks to translate that into ATP points. As for Mackenzie McDonald, this tournament represents an opportunity to regain rhythm and ranking after an extended dip in form.
Mackenzie McDonald
McDonald’s season has been patchy at best. Despite reaching the main draw here through three qualifying wins, he’s looked far from convincing. He was pushed to a first-set tiebreak by unranked Bogart and nearly let a dominant lead slip against Mattia Bellucci (6:1, 6:7, 6:3). That lack of focus has been a recurring issue — just last week in Birmingham, he was comfortably beaten by world No. 186 Alex Bolt in the opening round.
Karen Khachanov
Khachanov, meanwhile, appears to be adjusting well to grass. He clinched an exhibition title in Chesieres, seeing off Hubert Hurkacz (6:3, 6:4) and Richard Gasquet (7:5, 6:3) with confidence. His head-to-head record against McDonald is flawless — 4-0 in official ATP matches, including a straight-sets win at Wimbledon 2021. He’s also been reliable in opening rounds, winning 16 of his last 26 first matches at ATP events since June 2024.
Mackenzie McDonald vs Karen Khachanov Prediction
Momentum and match-up history are clearly on Khachanov’s side. He enters with form, confidence, and a proven ability to get the job done early in tournaments. McDonald, for all his court time in qualifying, hasn’t looked sharp — and against a focused, in-form Khachanov, that’s a major concern.
