Tennis: Djokovic pleased after success in Khachanov revenge mission in Paris
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Novak Djokovic has now won 10 of his 11 meetings with Karen Khachanov, the only defeat being the final in 2018.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Follow topic:
PARIS – Novak Djokovic will never forget that he lost to Karen Khachanov in the 2018 Paris Masters final – a tournament in which he has had much success.
On Thursday, the Serb, seeking a record-extending seventh Bercy title this week, made sure that did not happen again as he thrashed the Russian 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the quarter-finals.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion, already the winner of a record 38 Masters crowns, faced Lorenzo Musetti of Italy on Friday for a semi-final berth – the match result was not available at press time.
“Khachanov is someone I know really well,” said Djokovic. “We train a lot, and we played almost 10 times against each other on different surfaces. He beat me four years ago in the final, so I know he likes this surface, he likes these conditions.
“The first (set) was quite even, I had my chances, he had a break, and he was hanging on and I broke his serve in the 10th game of the first set and I think after that the momentum shifted. In the second set I was a different player. I think I stepped it up even more, served better, and I’m just really pleased with the way I finished.”
The 35-year-old has now won 10 of his 11 meetings with Khachanov, the only defeat being the final here in 2018. The Wimbledon champion
Italian youngster Musetti downed third seed Casper Ruud in three sets to reach his maiden Masters quarter-final. The 20-year-old, at a career-high ranking of 23rd, came from behind to beat the Norwegian 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
“He was playing really well and I had to play my best tennis to beat him,” said Musetti. “I am really happy that all the hard work I am doing keeps improving me. I am really proud of this win.”
After falling behind, Musetti, who has lifted two ATP titles this year
Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas served strongly to seal a 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) win over France’s Corentin Moutet and reach the last eight.
The Greek, who is bidding to win his third Masters title, faced American Tommy Paul on Friday, while world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz played Danish teenager Holger Rune.
In the other quarter-final, Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime stretched his winning run to 16 matches by defeating American Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-4. AFP, REUTERS
