Khachanov Knocks Korda Out Of Zhuhai, Gets Nishioka For Tuesday Title

Karen Khachanov missed a big chunk of the season due to a stress fracture in his back but the Russian is already in form.

The top seeded Khachanov got over on No. 4 seed Sebastian Korda 7-5, 6-4 to reach the Tuesday final in Zhuhai, China. Khachanov lost just six points on first serve and broke four times in the win.

Korda, seeking a 6th title, finished with nine aces, gave away five doubles, was 10/27 (37%) on second serves. Khachanov is now 3-2 against Korda.

“I expected it would be a very difficult match,” Khachanov said to the ATP. “When he plays well, he has a big serve, big game. Coming forward. Similar to Mackenzie in the last round. Similar game style. I executed pretty well. I was feeling pretty well from the beginning. I think it was a very solid performance today.”

The 27-year-old Khachanov will bid for a 5th title against Yoshihito Nishioka. Nishioka took out another Russian in Aslan Karatsev in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.

The lefty Nishioka is nearly a foot shorter than Khachanov who leads the star from Japan 3-1 including a win this year in Australia.

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