Russian tennis player Karen Khachanov shared his expectations from the upcoming second round match of the ATP tournament in St. Petersburg against Croat Marina Chilic.
– Your next opponent is Marin Cilic. How will you prepare for the match with him?
– He played well that week, I am also in good shape now. We met once, it was three years ago in Cincinnati. A lot will depend on the supply and reception, how the rallies will begin. Marin is an unpleasant and strong opponent, he will have to prepare. I know what to expect, what I will have to do. I hope everything will work out, there will be a good tough match. I will tune in.
– It was in St. Petersburg that you won your first match in the ATP. Do you remember him well? What does the St. Petersburg Open?
– Of course I remember. Yes, then I earned my first points. Until the last moment I waited and did not understand whether they were giving me a card as a basis, for qualification, or not at all. Then I was 17 years old, I came from the US Open, I was upset because I didn't play very well. Then he went out onto the court and did not understand how he beat the opponent. Has earned the first points – immediately 20. Good memories. It was a different arena, the old one, St. Petersburg Open looked a little different. Now there is more association with the updated tournament organized by Formula TX at the Sibur Arena – I have been coming since 2016.
Recall that in the first round Khachanov defeated the Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.
- Khachanov beat Mannarino in St. Petersburg