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Huge hitters with a shared fondness for first-strike tennis squared off within the Doha remaining.
A cussed Karen Khachanov confirmed endurance prevailing in an explosive duel.
Khachanov saved 4 set factors keeping off 18-year-old Czech sensation Jakub Mensik 7-6(12), 6-4, in a dramatic Doha remaining.
The 27-year-old Khachanov collected his sixth profession championship and first since he gained the 2023 Zhuhai.
“Each title is a particular one,” Khachanov mentioned afterward. “Each time, you need to win. We mess around 22 tournaments per season and on the finish of the day, you compete each week. For certain right here in Doha it is among the nicest trophies.”
Tiebreak toughness helped carry Khachanov, who improved his profession finals report to 6-2, owns a 7-2 tiebreaker report in 2024.
Khachanov gained the 2 most vital tiebreakers of his season up to now, in yesterday’s 7-6(12), 6-2 semifinal win over Alexei Popyrin and within the first set of as we speak’s remaining by an identical 14-12 scores.
“I assumed yesterday’s was preparation for as we speak, 14/12,” Khachanov mentioned. “Immediately I couldn’t imagine it was the identical rating, similar tie-break…
“I stayed robust, I’m extraordinarily glad that I gained the primary set. It lifted me quite a bit and gave me numerous confidence to step up within the second.”
Doha followers appreciated Khachanov’s toughness below duress and applauded the breakout efficiency of first-time finalist Mensik as effectively.
Taking part in simply the third Tour-level occasion of his younger profession, Mensik toppled former world No. 1 Andy Murray, world No. 5 Andrey Rublev and former champion Gael Monfils to develop into the youngest man to achieve the Doha remaining in historical past.
Behind a booming serve and daring backhand strikes down the road, Mensik, who cites Novak Djokovic as his tennis idol and inspiration, practically pulled out the opening set, however Khachanov was unwavering.
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