Khachanov Khonqueors WTA Moscow

Karen Khachanov became the first Russian to win in Moscow in nine years, beating Adrian Mannerino 6-2, 6-2 for the VTB Kremlin Cup title.
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The 22-year-old collected his second title this season while dropping Mannarino to an 0-6 career record in finals.

“[Winning in Russia] was one of the dreams I had when I was a kid,” said Khachanov. “Coming here [as a kid] I was asking top Russian players for autographs and dreaming one day to become a champion here. Today is the day and I am really happy. These are memories I will always keep in my head.”

Khachanov, who also triumphed this season in Marseille, improved to 3-0 in career finals.

“I started really well,” said Khachanov. “I was very aggressive and didn’t give chances for [Mannarino] to step into the match and get some rhythm. I think that was one of the keys.”

The 30-year-old Mannarino was yet again denied in a final.

“Karen played really well today,” said Mannarino. “He was serving really well and didn’t miss that much…I didn’t play my best, but still, he was too good today.”