Khachanov Seeks 'Greater Bay Double' In Hong Kong

Fresh from an 18-month journey he described as incredibly rewarding, Karen Khachanov can become the first man to complete a unique double in Hong Kong at the start of 2024.

The rejuvenated right-hander, who has become a fixture deep in Grand Slams over the past two years, is determined to maintain the momentum he has built.

A semi-finalist in two of the past four Grand Slam tournaments he has contested, Khachanov performed brilliantly to claim a drought-breaking title triumph in Zhuhai in September.

The Huafa Properties Zhuhai Championships forms one leg of what will become the ‘Greater Bay Double’, given the return of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open to the ATP Tour calendar in 2024.

After a hiatus of 21 years, the tournament will be held at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium from 31 December 31 to 7 January, with the No. 15 man in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings featuring in a star-studded field.

Also the host of a WTA tournament, Hong Kong joins Beijing and Tokyo as the only cities across Asia to offer premium-tier events for the world’s best male and female players.

Khachanov, who excelled in the conditions when last in the south of China, is looking forward to visiting Hong Kong given its reputation as one of the world’s leading cities.

“I have heard a lot of great things about the city and I am excited to experience it for myself,” he said.

“I know that Hong Kong is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history and culture. I am looking forward to exploring the city, meeting new people, and playing some great tennis.”

The Hong Kong honour roll features some of the greats of the game and while Khachanov is yet to break through for a major title, he has performed with distinction.

He was considered a rising star of the ATP Tour when claiming three titles during a stellar 2018, which included a trophy at the Rolex Paris Masters, and he peaked at World No. 8 in July 2019.

Agile and athletic for his height, Khachanov possesses excellent power from both wings, which complements a superb serve and all-court game style.

After a challenging period, he has soared to greater heights at the Grand Slam level over the past couple of seasons, beginning with a fine run to the semi-finals at the 2022 US Open. He was edged by Stefanos Tsitsipas in a tight Australian Open semi-final in 2023 and then beaten by Novak Djokovic in a high-quality quarter-final at Roland Garros before injury struck.

After returning to the Top 10 in June, the 27-year-old was unable to walk for a period, let alone play Wimbledon, due to a fracture in his sacrum bone and also his pelvis bone.

He found form swiftly after resuming at the US Open, performing brilliantly in stifling conditions in Zhuhai and later reaching the quarter-finals of the Rolex Paris Masters in October.

Khachanov, who celebrated the birth of his second son midway through the year, has spent time with his family in the off-season, when he took the time to reflect on his achievements.

“The past 18 months have been an incredibly rewarding journey for me. Overall, it's been a fantastic year where I feel I've returned to my best form,” he said. “I've discovered a newfound sense of patience, honed my ability to stay focussed, and embraced the resilience needed to never give up.

“This period has reinforced the belief that hard work truly pays off and I've seen firsthand that dedication yields great results. I'm content with the strides I've taken, grateful for the lessons learned, and eagerly anticipate what the future has in store.”

Khachanov, who embraced the opportunity to showcase tennis and his skills to school children when last in the south of China, stressed his desire to succeed at the highest level.

His boyhood friend Daniil Medvedev claimed the US Open title in 2021, while another good friend from his youth, Andrey Rublev, has also cemented himself in the Top 10 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

Khachanov, who defeated Yoshihito Nishioka to win one leg of the 'Greater Bay Double' in Zhuhai, said clinching his first title since the 2018 Rolex Paris Masters boosted his belief.

“Winning the ATP Tour title in Zhuhai was a great achievement for me,” he said. “It was a tough tournament, and I had to play some of my best tennis to come out on top. Winning this title gives me a lot of confidence heading into the 2024 season.

“I know that I have what it takes to compete at the highest level and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

A five-time tour-level titlist, Khachanov said in Zhuhai he could almost taste the “cherry” of claiming a major title after his strong form in Grand Slams throughout the past two seasons.

“I am working hard every day to improve my game and take the next step towards major success,” he said. “I am focusing on my strengths and working on my weaknesses. I am also trying to stay positive and keep a good attitude, even when things don’t go my way.

“I believe that if I continue to work hard and stay focussed, I will achieve my goals.”