Alkass Digital
Russian Karen Khachanov yesterday got off to a winning start in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2022 when he ousted American Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets 7-6 (3), 6-3 to advance to the last 16 for the second time in Doha.
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@At the Centre Court of the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, the sixth seed Khachanov displayed a solid game to take a 3-0 career advantage over his US opponent. The Russian excelled in a tie-break of the opening set in which he broke his opponent in the fifth game before having it without same amount of tension in the following round to seal the much-needed win in Doha.
The 6’6” tall 25-year-old was elated after making it to the Round of 16
“My first match here, and because in my two earlier outings here I couldn't win I am really happy. I am happy to see the crowds,” Khachanov who has reached the last 16 in 2017 but was knocked out in the opening round two years later, said.
Khachanov could meet David Goffin up next if the Belgian beats Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland in their opening round today.
Earlier, Alex Molcan staged a brilliant comeback against Australian Christopher O’Connell in a three setter which saw the Slavak winning 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6), 6-4 to book a meeting with top seed Denis Shapovalov of Canada.
Speaking of his win, Molcan said, “From the beginning I was little bit tight and Christopher was playing really good. His forehand was very fast for me, I couldn't somehow manage to win the points but then I stepped up, played better served better. I was also trying to push with my forehand. So, I am really happy that I could do that and win the match.”
“Tie-breaks are sometimes like a lottery you never know what's going to happen. I was 6-4 up in tie-break and at 6-5 I made a double fault, so I was like no way but I won the set and was focusing on the third set. I had the belief that I could win and I did,” he added.
“I didn't feel the energy in the second round at the Australian Open but now I'm good. I also played in Montreal two weeks ago, and I'm doing fine. I'm relaxed and hopefully I am well prepared for this tournament,” the 24-year-old, who had been training in Doha with former US Open Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic of Croatia, said.
Also making a winning start was Dutch Botic van de Zandschulp against qualifier Thomas Fabbiano, winning 6-2, 7-6 (5). In what was the two players’ very first meeting, Zandschulp made the most of his better serves and baseline power strokes to counter Fabbiano, also known for his baseline game. South Korean Soonwoo Kor Kwon, however, had to sweat in overcoming Christopher Eubanks of the US 7-6 (6), 1-6, 6-4.
In a late night match, Britain’s Daniel Evans beat Belorusian E. Gerasimov 6-4, 6-4.
Today, former world number one and a two-time champion in Doha, Andy Murray takes on his Australian Open counterpart Taro Daniel in the first round.
The Japanese player defeated the former World No. 1 in straight-sets in the second round in Melbourne, but the Briton will be eager to face second seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round.
The Spaniard has a strong record in Qatar, winning the Doha trophy in 2018 and reaching the final last year.
"I like the tournament. I think it's great for my game. I really enjoy playing here in Doha. I think the conditions are very nice to show some good tennis. It's also a very special 250 event. They always get really good players in the draw, and it's very special to be here," Bautista Agut, the World No: 16 said yesterday.
Results: Round of 32
Kwon Soon Woo, South Korea, def. Christopher Eubanks, United States, 7-6 (6), 1-6, 6-4.Alex Molcan, Slovakia, def. Christopher O'Connell, Australia, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6), 6-4.Botic Van de Zandschulp, Netherlands, def. Thomas Fabbiano, Italy, 6-2, 7-6 (5).Karen Khachanov (6), Russia, def. Mackenzie McDonald, United States, 7-6 (3), 6-3.
Today's order of playSingles round of 32Centre CourtStarts at 2:30pm(Q) Jozef Kovalik (CRO) vs (7) Alexander Bublik (KAZ)Followed by(WC) Malek Jaziri (TUN) vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (SPA)Not before 6:00pmTaro Daniel (JAP) vs (WC) Andy Murray (GBR)Followed byDavid Goffin (BEL) vs Emil Ruusuvuori (FIN)
Grandstand 1 Starts at 2:30pmLorenzo Musetti (ITA) vs (LL) Elias Ymer (SWE)Followed byMarton Fucsovics (HUN)vs (8) Lloyd Harris (RSA)Followed ByDoubles Round of 16Daniel Evans/Ken Skupski (GBR) vs Andrey Golubev (KAZ)/Fabrice Martin (FRA)Followed By / After Suitable Rest(1) Nikola Mektic/Mate Pavic (CRO) vs Jonathan Erlich (ISR)/Lloyd Harris (RSA)
Grandstand 2Starts at 2:30pmJiri Vesely (CZE) vs Arthur Rinderknech (FRA)Followed ByDoubles Round of 16(WC) Issa Alharrasi (QAT)/Illya Marchenko (UKR) vs Mackenzie McDonald (USA)/Botic van de Zandschulp (NED)Followed By / After Suitable RestManuel Guinard/Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) vs (3) Wesley Koolhof (NED)/Neal Skupski (GBR)Followed By / After Suitable Rest(4) Sander Gille/Joran Vliegen (BEL) vs (WC) Malek Jaziri (TUN)/Mubarak Zaid (QAT)