Ranked Outside Top 100, Khachanov Breaks Through for ATP Chengdu Title

by Staff | October 2nd, 2016, 4:56 pm
  • 2 Comments

Unheralded 20-year-old Russian Karen Khachanov, ranked outside the Top 100 entering China this week, on Sunday beat Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 in the final of the Chengdu Open to win a first career ATP title.
ADHEREL
Coached by former Spanish player Galo Blanco, Khachanov delivered 14 aces over the three sets of the final. It was his fourth win over a seed during the week after upsetting No. 7 Joao Sousa, No. 4 Feliciano Lopez and No. 6 Viktor Troicki.

“I have been working hard and I am happy to achieve my first goal,” said Khachanov. “In the second, I was thinking to win the set and keep fighting. I was playing against a guy much higher-ranked than me, so I just have to focus on every goal and keep going. You cannot lose focus and be relaxed. I was just pushing myself to the limit and I got the second set and then the third.

“At this level, all the players are really tough. To win the tournament, I have to beat all the guys. Obviously today is the final and that makes it the toughest match.”


He improved to 2-1 career against Ramos-Vinolas after losing to the Spaniard in three sets in Istanbul earlier this year.

The 28-year-old Ramos-Vinolas fell to 1-1 in career finals, winning his first earlier this year at Bastad on clay.

“I think I didn’t play bad,” said Ramos-Vinolas. “I can play better but he played so well and what can I say, I’m not happy but maybe I’ll be happy tomorrow. It was not so good today, but also he was serving so well and so fast. That’s why I didn’t return so well.”


You Might Like:
Thiem, Defending Champ Khachanov at ATP Chengdu; Preview
Berdych Battles Vesely In Shenzhen Rematch; Thiem, Dimitrov, Khachanov Headline Chengdu QFs
Karen Khachanov Into First Career ATP Final, Will Face Albert Ramos-Vinolas In Chengdu
Carreno Busta Beats Bublik In Thriller For Chengdu Crown
Russian Khachanov Drains Pouille in 3-Setter in ATP Marseille Final

Don't miss any tennis action, stay connected with Tennis-X

Get the FREE TX daily newsletter

2 Comments for Ranked Outside Top 100, Khachanov Breaks Through for ATP Chengdu Title

Wog Boy Says:

Anothe 6 ft 6 in player, improved lot under Galo guidance, very strong player. Galo made Raonic top player, Khachanov is the next one, I don’t have doubt about it. Good luck to both of them.


Wog Boy Says:

Nice ATP video about Khachanov:

https://youtu.be/l6y6VP4zoWs

…and here he is answering his mobile during the match:))

https://youtu.be/aFq9INDIfO8

RZ, if you are around you should have extra reason to cheer him:)

Top story: 2024 WTA Finals Day 4: Swiatek v Gauff; Sabalenka Reaches SFs