Karen Khachanov ends teenager Jakub Mensik's winning run with 2024 Qatar Open final victory
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Published 24/02/2024 at 22:14 GMT
Karen Khachanov claimed his first tour title of the season on Saturday in winning the Qatar Open. The 27-year-old Russian came up against 18-year-old Czech opponent Jakub Mensik, who had defeated Gael Monfils and Andy Murray on his way to the final. Khachanov likened Mensik to John Isner afterwards, such was the strong serving from his teenage opponent.
Highlights: Khachanov ends run of Mensik to clinch Doha Open title
Karen Khachanov won the Qatar Open on Saturday when he defeated teenage opponent Jakub Mensik 7-6(12) 6-4.
The 27-year-old now boasts six tour titles, and it is the first of the 2024 season for the world No. 17.
Khachanov was able to draw on a wealth of experience compared to his 18-year-old opponent, and showed some steely determination to see off four set points in the first set before winning the tie-break.
"Every title is a special one," Khachanov said of his win. "Every time, you want to win. We play around 22 tournaments per season and at the end of the day, you compete every week. For sure here in Doha it is one of the nicest trophies.
"I thought yesterday's [tie-break] was preparation for today, 14-12 [against Alexei Popyrin]. Today I couldn't believe it was the same score, same tie-break... I stayed strong, I'm extremely happy that I won the first set. It lifted me a lot and gave me a lot of confidence to step up in the second."
Both players relied on their serves at times in a match that lasted almost two hours, and the victor paid tribute to his opponent’s power.
"For a minute, I thought I was playing John Isner and not Jakub Mensik today," Khachanov said, with Mensik having produced 16 aces over two sets.
Mensik, at 6’4” still two inches shorter than his opponent, will rise up the rankings after his run to the final, and reflected on his progress having overcome big name players Andy Murray and Andrey Rublev earlier in the tournament.
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Highlights: Murray defeated by Mensik after marathon match in Doha
"For sure this week will be unforgettable for me," Mensik said. "From the beginning, I didn't even get to this tournament on my own ranking.
"I had to use the Next Gen spot, so I tried to enjoy every moment on the court. I didn't expect that I will go through to the final. So I'm really happy with my performance.
"I am sad and also happy at the same time, because [it was] a tough loss today, but yeah, it was a great match."
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