Khachanov Ousts Sousa In Chengdu

#NextGen star Karen Khachanov powered into the second round of the Chengdu Open on Tuesday as he ousted seventh seed Joao Sousa 7-6(3), 6-3.

The 20-year-old Russian advanced in 77 minutes, firing seven aces and converting two of his three break points. “It’s a very good match for me,” said Khachanov. “I’m very happy with my performance. I like the court, I like the crowd, so I was enjoying playing the match.”

Khachanov reached a career-high No. 81 in the Emirates ATP Rankings earlier this month after qualifying at the US Open and progressing to the second round (l. to Nishikori). The right-hander also reached his second ATP World Tour quarter-final in July in Kitzbuhel.

Khachanov goes on to face Adrian Mannarino, who battled past qualifier Denis Kudla 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-4 in two hours and 33 minutes.

Kevin Anderson set a second-round clash with No. 2 seed Nick Kyrgios as he dismissed another Australian, Jordan Thompson, 6-2, 6-4. The South African will face Kyrgios for the first time as he bids to reach his fifth ATP World Tour quarter-final of the season.

Meanwhile, third seed Grigor Dimitrov will open his Chengdu campaign against Dusan Lajovic after the Serbian rallied from a set down to beat Federico Delbonis 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Three matches were suspended because of rain: Marcos Baghdatis and Pablo Carreno Busta were tied at 5-5 in the third set; sixth seed Viktor Troicki was leading Norwegian wild card Casper Ruud 6-3, 3-2; and fifth seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas was ahead of German qualifier Michael Berrer 6-4, 5-7, 3-1.