Khachanov Wins NextGenATP Battle To Reach Halle SF

In an all #NextGenATP quarter-final clash at the Gerry Weber Open, Karen Khachanov came out on top on Friday as he edged good friend Andrey Rublev 7-6(8), 4-6, 6-3 in two hours and 16 minutes.

The 21-year-old Khachanov is currently third in the Emirates ATP Race To Milan, looking to qualify for the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan at the end of the year. The right-hander, who won his first ATP World Tour title in Chengdu in October 2016 (d. Ramos-Vinolas), is through to his first semi-final of the season.

Coming into this ATP World Tour 500 tournament on the back of a breakthrough run to the Roland Garros fourth round (l. to Murray), Khachanov had never won a tour-level match on grass before. He is now due to face either Roger Federer or Florian Mayer for a spot in the final.

Khachanov and Rublev both train at the 4 Slam Tennis Academy in Barcelona, with Khachanov coached by Galo Blanco and Rublev under the tutelage of Fernando Vicente. But friendship was put aside as the pair clashed for the first time on the ATP World Tour.

After twice failing to serve out the first set, Khachanov then saved set point at 6/7 in the tie-break before clinching the opener on his fifth opportunity. Rublev seized control early in the second set, with two breaks of serve levelling the match. The 19-year-old Rublev then looked to have the upperhand in the decider as he broke for a 2-1 lead, but Khachanov swept five of the next six games to complete the comeback.

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