Russian tennis player Karen Khachanov commented on his doubles victory with Andrei Rublev in the first round of the St. Petersburg Open. The athlete also spoke about expectations from the first round singles match.
– How convenient is it to start a tournament with such an easy victory in a pair? Is this a good way to get into the rhythm?
– Yes, one hundred percent, we like to start with a couple. I only arrived on Monday. In the evening I managed to train, plus now, though a couple, but play on the center court, a little feel the conditions, compare with the training courts. And just when one tournament ends, in which you go far enough, you have one day to really rest, to move – and you immediately switch to another. There is not much time, on Wednesday I already start alone, I'm ready for this.
– Andrei Rublev said the day before that the courts in St. Petersburg and Moscow are completely different. Explain what is the difference?
– Yes, it's funny. It still feels different at each tournament. The balls are different, the courts – although, maybe, the same company, but different grounds, on which they put them. All these factors influence, plus different arenas. These feelings are different everywhere, so the days to practice and adapt before you start a tournament are very important.
– You said that you need to stay in Moscow to solve the problem with the French visa, did you succeed?
– They haven't given us a visa yet. But I arrived only on Monday evening, because in the morning I managed to agree to at least submit documents, which was very difficult, almost impossible, especially in connection with the lockdown, which will be from Thursday. The main thing is that the documents have been submitted, I am waiting for an answer until Friday, I hope everything will be fine.
– In what mood will you go to Paris if everything goes well? After all, there you won your first victory, beating Novak Djokovic in the final?
– Yes, but, to be honest, while I am thinking about the tournament in St. Petersburg. In any case, this tournament is on my calendar. If I get a visa, I hope I can participate there.
– What are your thoughts on Adrian Mannarino, against whom you will take to the court alone?
– He is a very unpleasant opponent, he beat Andrei Rublev that week. This means that he is in good shape. I remember, I even watched – he really played very well, he also reached the quarterfinals, so I will tune in. This will be the first match for both of us in this tournament, I will try to fight, fight. It won't be easy, but I hope everything goes well for me.
Recall that in the quarterfinals the Russians will be opposed by the Indian-Canadian duo Rohan Bopanna / Denis Shapovalov.
- Khachanov and Rublev advanced to the second round of the doubles tournament in St. Petersburg