DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

February 27, 2024

Karen Khachanov

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

Press Conference

K. KHACHANOV/L. Van Assche

6-2, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: We can start with questions.

Q. You said in the on-court interview this is similar to home now, that you live here. How do you enjoy coming out and receiving that kind of support?

KAREN KHACHANOV: Yeah, definitely. Like I mentioned, I live here. I played many years this tournament. I always want to do well. There are many Russians, many Armenians, and in general people around the world who come to support this tournament. I think it's great.

Yeah, every time I play, I feel very welcomed. Look, I think the stadium was supporting me. That always gives extra energy.

Q. How did you manage to turn it around from 1-3 in the second set?

KAREN KHACHANOV: Yeah, I don't know. First game in the second set, I think I served one double-fault, let's say not as many first serves as I was serving before. He managed to take the lead. He returned a couple of times pretty strong, pretty hard through. He played, like, more aggressive. He really went for the shots. Can happen. He played, let's say, well this game. I didn't play as well as from the beginning.

But I'm happy. Look, I stayed calm. I stayed in the match, then managed to break him twice back and win from 3-1, 6-3. I think this is what counts at the end.

Q. How special is it to have your family with you around the tour? Will you be seeing them?

KAREN KHACHANOV: Yeah, I mean, they were not in Doha. They don't travel as much because we have a second son who is just turning soon eight months. He's seven and a half. Mostly they stay home. The closest tournaments they could travel. Actually to Doha, but we just planned that they stay home.

Obviously this week, whole family's here. A lot of friends. A lot of family came over to spend time with us because later I'm leaving to U.S., then the European swing starts. Let's say it would be in the other part of the world.

Yeah, they will be here. They will be here. Also my sister came. My wife's family, my wife's sister. So many, many people.