Karen Khachanov looking forward to facing Andy Murray at French Open
Monday 5 June 2017 14:46, UK
Karen Khachanov is relishing the opportunity to face world No 1 Andy Murray in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday.
Murray might have expected to play John Isner in a repeat of last year's last-16 clash, but instead will face 21-year-old Khachanov after he beat the American in four sets.
Khachanov, born in Moscow but based in Barcelona, is playing in the main draw at Roland Garros for the first time and is also through to the last 16 at a Slam for the first time.
Standing 6ft 6in and with a swagger to match, Khachanov is part of a new breed of very tall but athletic players and is looking forward to having a crack at the world No 1.
He said: "I think that is what we are looking for, to play on the big arenas like here, centre court, and to play against the world No 1. I'm really looking forward to it.
"I think it's going to be a good match and good experience for me. I'm in the fourth round, and I will try to prepare and to do my best."
Since Murray and Novak Djokovic joined Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the top of the game more than a decade ago, the wait has gone on for a new generation to really make its mark.
The signs are that the time has finally arrived, with 20-year-old Alexander Zverev breaking into the top 10 and the likes of Nick Kyrgios, Borna Coric and now Khachanov rising up the ranks.
Murray said of the Russian: "I have never played a match against him, but I practised with him before he got on to the tour when he was like 350 (in the rankings), and he was really good. Big, strong guy. Generates a lot of power. He's also got a big serve."
A Real Madrid fan, Khachanov prepared for the resumption of his match against Isner by watching the Champions League final and is also a keen chess player.
"When I was young, like from 10 to 12, I was having chess classes," he said. "So I like to play chess in my free time. It's one of my hobbies. I think it helps maybe."
The ATP is holding an end-of-season Next Gen tournament for the first time in November as a showcase for the best eight players aged under 21.
Zverev looks uncatchable in first place and Khachanov, who sits sixth, has been inspired by the German's achievements.
He said: "I already congratulated him with past results. I think it motivates us to work even harder. I'm seeing it in the other young guys.
"We are looking to each other and support each other. It helps us, gives us extra motivation and encourages us."
While Khachanov is through to the last 16 at a Slam for the first time, it is seven years and 25 tournaments since Murray failed to at least make the fourth round.
His expectations on arriving in Paris were rather different to normal after a poor run of form on the clay, but Murray looked much more like his usual self in a straight-sets win over Juan Martin del Potro on Saturday.
The 30-year-old said: "I believe in myself, so even when things aren't going well, I believe I can turn it around.
"It's not easy but, if you do the right things in practice and trust it, it's going to come. The five-set format has definitely helped, so I have maybe not been as anxious going into some of the matches, because I know there is some time to turn it around.
"But mentally I feel pretty good just now. I'm working things out while I'm playing the matches, and that's a really, really important part of my game."
For those on the move, we will have the French Open from Roland Garros covered via our website skysports.com/tennis, our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.
