Karen Khachanov says he feels ‘pure happiness’ in reaching the gold medal match at the Tokyo Olympics after producing a comprehensive semi-final win.
The world No.25 disposed of Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-3, in just 80 minutes to become the first Russian man to reach an Olympic singles final since Yevgeny Kafelnikov in 2000. Khachanov was particularly impressive behind his serve where he won 93% of his first service points and fired 10 aces past his rival. It is the first time he has reached the final of a tournament since winning the 2018 Paris Masters.
“Today it was working, unbelievably well,” Khachanov told the Olympic News Service.
“That’s the way I prepared, against every opponent you play a little bit differently. The final will be another story, another match, another day. I hope it will be the same.”
Khachanov’s dominant performance drew praise from a disappointed Carreno Busta who stunned second seed Daniil Medvedev in his previous match. He was bidding to become the fourth man from his country to reach an Olympic singles final since 1988.
“I didn’t feel comfortable on court today because Karen played unbelievable,” the Spaniard reflected.
“It was not the best match I have played, but Karen was unbelievable today, playing very aggressive and serving really good.”
Khachanov’s run to the gold medal match has also seen him defeat seeded players Diego Schwartzman and Ugo Humbert earlier in the tournament. Reflecting on his Olympic run so far, the 25-year-old says it is one he will never forget.
“It’s just pure happiness, pleasure to be here to live those moments, these kind of memories will stay forever.” He said.
In the final Khachanov will play Alexander Zverev who pulled off a shock win over Novak Djokovic. The world No.1 has won the first three Grand Slam tournaments of the season and was on course for an historic calendar Golden Slam which has only been achieved by Stefi Graf in 1988.
Khachanov is currently tied at 2-2 with Zverev in their head-to-head but their last meeting was at the 2019 Rogers Cup.
