Russian world number 24, Karen Khachanov, shared his thoughts following his comprehensive victory over Francesco Passaro in the third round of the Rome Masters, with a final score of 6-3, 6-0.
I was down 0-3 with a break, and then I won 12 straight games – that`s the first time that`s happened to me in many years on the Tour. I had a poor start, and he was fired up, the crowd was boosting him. I didn`t find my way into the match immediately; I was trying to find my rhythm. And when I finally won a game and broke back, everything clicked, I found my game. I saw he was getting tighter, more nervous. That sometimes happens in tennis – suddenly, you don`t know what to do. I am very happy that I endured, showed such a result and level. I`m in the next round, I have a great match under my belt, which is a big advantage – and now I need to focus on the next match.
How do you feel overall during this clay season?
There`s always room for improvement. My team and I constantly discuss what we can refine from tournament to tournament. You feel different every day. Right now, I`m gradually picking up rhythm, playing several matches in a row. I`ve been waiting for this since the start of the year. I`ve had close matches, tough losses against top players.
He added that this is what he is aiming for, his ultimate goal – to find rhythm, maintain form, and progress through the tournament in Rome, then focus on the next ones.
Do you enjoy playing in Rome?
Yes, the stands are full here, and the city is wonderful, one of my favorites. It`s a fantastic tournament; everything is going well so far. I am here with my wife and sons. They don`t travel with me on Tour very often, so it`s an extra joy – relaxing with them after matches, switching off to other things, and then returning to work.
Marcus Prine