Khachanov wins Zhuhai for first title since 2018

Russia’s Karen Khachanov won his first title since 2018 as he beat Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6 (2), 6-1 to win the Zhuhai Open on Tuesday.

The top-seeded Russian, in just his second event back after suffering a stress fracture in his back at Roland-Garros, hit nine aces as he pulled away for his fifth career title.

It is his first title since he won the Paris Masters in 2018. Khachanov will move up one place to No 14 in the rankings when they’re updated next.

The 27-year-old had reached the final for the loss of just one set. He beat Australian qualifier Alex Bolt (6-4, 6-4), American Mackenzie McDonald, the No 6 seed (4-6, 6-4, 6-4) and American Sebastian Korda, the No 4 seed (7-5, 6-4) in the previous rounds.

After the victory, Khachanov dedicated the win to his family, who he says have been a great support over recent month:

“I want to thank my family. My wife, Veronica. My son, David. My second son, Mikael. They are watching now, for sure. They are smiling. Sending them a big hug and kiss. They’re the biggest supporters. I’m coming back from an injury,” said Khachanov.

“When coming here to Zhuhai, I was hoping to get matches. To start playing again. I had three months off completely from Tour. I missed it a lot. I was very hungry to come back and win the title after quite a few years again. It’s really special. It’s for my family.”

Earlier in the tournament, Nishioka, ranked No 46, beat Frenchman Terence Atmane (0-6, 6-4, 6-2), South African Lloyd Harris (7-6 (4), 7-6 (5)), German Jan-Lennard Struff, the No 3 seed (6-4, 7-5) and Russian Aslan Karatsev (6-4, 6-4).

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