#NextGen Rising: Khachanov Claims Maiden Title In Chengdu

Two consecutive weeks on the ATP World Tour has yielded back-to-back titles for the fast-charging #NextGen contingent, as Karen Khachanov clinched his first title on Sunday at the Chengdu Open.

The 20-year-old Russian is projected to soar nearly 50 spots in the Emirates ATP Rankings to a career-high No. 55, after rallying past Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 in Chengdu. Khachanov, who follows in the footsteps of German teen Alexander Zverev, last week’s champion in St. Petersburg, as first-time #NextGen winners. He is the third in total this year, with Nick Kyrgios prevailing in both Marseille and Atlanta.

With his arms raised in triumph after two hours and 39 minutes, Khachanov secured the title when a Ramos-Vinolas forehand sailed long. The Galo Blanco pupil fired 14 aces, while converting three of nine break chances. It marks his fourth victory over a seeded opponent this week, having toppled No. 7 Joao Sousa, No. 4 Feliciano Lopez in the quarter-finals and No. 6 Viktor Troicki on Saturday.

More to come…