Karen Khachanov won the 2023 Zhuhai tournament by defeating Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6(2) 6-1. The Russian then sent an emotional message to his wife Veronica and their two children during the award ceremony.
Karen Khachanov also said that he initially only intended to use Zhuhai for some match practice but ended up winning the 250-level competition.
The Russian thanked his family for being there for him while he got overwhelmed with emotion. He shared his feelings after the win and said: “I want to thank my family. My wife Veronica. My son, David. My second son Mikael. They’re watching now for sure. They are smiling. Sending them a big hug and kiss. They are the biggest supporters.”
He added: “I’m coming back from an injury. When coming here to Zhuhai, I was hoping to get matches. To start playing again. I had 3 months off completely from the tour. I missed it a lot. I was very hungry to come back & win the title after quite a few years again. It’s really special. It’s for my family.”
Karen Khachanov dedicates his 1st ATP title in 5 years to his family:
“I want to thank my family. My wife, Veronica. My son, David. My 2nd son, Mikael. They are watching now, for sure. They are smiling. Sending them a big hug & kiss. They’re the biggest supporters.. I’m coming… pic.twitter.com/Yc59n4VB1k
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 26, 2023
Karen Khachanov in 2023
Ranked no.14, Karen played his last match on the 26th of September when he defeated world no.38 Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6(2) 6-1 in the final in Zhuhai to win his 5th career title.
This season Khachanov achieved a 27-12 match record. Karen clinched 1 title in Zhuhai.
He is also scheduled to play in Tokyo (Rakuten Japan Open). The main draw will start on the 16th of October.
