Russia`s third-ranked player Karen Khachanov commented on his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round of the Rome Masters (3/6, 6/3, 5/7).
Khachanov stated: “I have no regrets or disappointment. It`s much more upsetting when you feel you played at a low level, made many mistakes yourself, were mentally weak, or lost to a weaker opponent with a lower ranking. So, the match against Carlos is a joy for the quality of the game and the feeling that I gave my absolute best. I also understand what I need to improve and how to win matches like this.”
Asked by a fan during a stream to compare the match to a football clash, specifically if Alcaraz was `Real Madrid`:
“Interesting. I`m a Real Madrid fan myself, by the way, although not a crazy one. But if Carlos is `Real`, then I was `Manchester City` today.”
Regarding FK Krasnodar`s current successful season and his relationship with players Smolov and Spertsyan, Khachanov said:
“Yes, of course. Only two games left. Fedya [Smolov] and I often text, and I also talk to Edik [Spertsyan] and we support each other.”
Marcus Prine