Russian Karen Khachanov wins Qatar ExxonMobil Open title

Russian Karen Khachanov won the title of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2024 after beating Czech Jakub Mensik on Saturday. With this win, he captured his sixth tour-level crown and first of this season.

Accompanied by President of the Qatar Tennis Federation Nasser bin Ghanem Al Khulaifi and Tournament Director Karim Alami, Minister of Sports and Youth HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani crowned the Russian champion and handed him the Golden Falcon, and handed the Czech player the second-place award.

In a heavy-hitting battle, the 27-year-old outlasted Czech Jakub Mensik 7-6 (12), 6-4, where Khachanov did not drop a set all week.

Khachanov fended off four set points in the opener before he stepped in on the 18-year-old’s second serve at 12/13, crushing a forehand return to gain a one-set advantage on his fourth set point.

Khachanov built upon his momentum to break Mensik’s serve in the opening game of the second set. It deflated a dream week for the teen, who was competing in just his third tour-level event and had become the youngest finalist in Doha tournament history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

QNA