#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. [ALSO LIKE] Khachanov goes on...
A host of ATP World Tour stars turned selfie-taking spectators on Tuesday, taking part in an excursion to the famous Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base in Chengdu. Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, South African Kevin Anderson, Argentinian Diego Schwartzman and the New Zealand-American doubles pairing of Artem Sitak and Nicholas Monroe were fortunate to visit on a day when the weather was co-operating, allowing the baby pandas to also be brought out of their rooms. Third seed Dimitrov was taken by the cute black and white baby mammals. [ALSO LIKE] “It’s amazing to see all those little ones and some of the big ones,” Dimitrov said. “It’s pretty rare to do that in the middle of a tournament, but we all...
Nick Kyrgios, Kevin Anderson, Grigor Dimitrov and Feliciano Lopez are all excited for the inaugural Chengdu Open in China. Video courtesy of Chengdu Open.
Russian #NextGen star Karen Khachanov and 17-year-old Norwegian Casper Ruud, in China for the Chengdu Open, visited one of Chengdu’s unique attractions, Kuanzhai Alley, which translates as Wide and Narrow Alley, on Monday. Located in one of the oldest parts of Chengdu, dating back to the Qing Dynasty, Kuanzhai Alley offers a unique glimpse into the architecture at the time. The players tried some of the city’s most popular snacks, while being entertained by a traditionally attired Sichuan opera performer. “The culture here is very unusual and it is very interesting to see,” said Khachanov. “I’m very excited to be here. I like it.” “The architecture here is very nice and very different from anywhere else,” said Ruud. “It’s nice.”...
Former World No. 10 Juan Monaco required 66 minutes to beat qualifier Hiroki Moriya 6-1, 6-2 on Monday at the Chengdu Open. Monaco will next face fourth seed Feliciano Lopez, whom he beat in the Houston semi-finals en route to his ninth ATP World Tour title (d. Sock) in April. Diego Schwartzman, who lifted his first ATP World Tour trophy in Istanbul (d. Dimitrov) earlier this year, knocked out Rajeev Ram 6-4, 7-5 in 87 minutes. He awaits the winner of eighth seed Paolo Lorenzi or John Millman. “The first match is always tough for the players,” said Schwartzman. “I feel great, so it’s good to win… I try to improve every week.” In doubles, fourth seeds Pablo Carreno Busta...
