Karen Khachanov fought the world number one Rafael Nadal on Friday evening, but ultimately lost out. In the third round of the US Open, the Russian lost in four sets, but had nothing to blame himself after the match.
“I gave everything today, everyone saw it,” Khachanov said after his game. “I’m proud of myself for giving a fight to the end. “There were only a few points missing and the match would have turned out differently.”
The 22-year-old secured the first round with 7:5, before he had to give up the second round with the same result. Nadal also took the next two sets – both were only decided in the tiebreak.
“I’m not the happiest person in the world right now, but after a day or two I’ll be happy to watch this match. It also gives me confidence for the future, because it shows me that I’m not far from the high level of the top players,” said Khachanov.
The two-time ATP winner convinced in the past weeks and months on the ATP tour by reaching the semi-finals of the Masters of Toronto and securing the title of Marseille.
“Great respect for Rafa,” Khanchanov said. “That’s why he’s number one, a great fighter. I’m still happy about my performance, I hope I can keep it. I was mentally ready to play this match. Physically everything fit, so I was able to play such a match,” said Khachanov. Despite early breaks in the fourth set, the Russian fought back once again.
That’s not the only reason Nadal sprinkled roses on his opponent. “I must congratulate Karen for his great attitude throughout the match,” said the Spaniard. “He played aggressively, maybe he made a few mistakes in the important moments, but he didn’t lose a bad word in such situations.”
And he continues: “This is not a matter of course in tennis and a great strength of his. I’m sure he’ll be very successful with that attitude.”