Large hitters with a shared fondness for first-strike tennis squared off within the Doha last.
A cussed Karen Khachanov confirmed endurance prevailing in an explosive duel.
Khachanov saved 4 set factors warding off 18-year-old Czech sensation Jakub Mensik 7-6(12), 6-4, in a dramatic Doha last.
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 stated 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 positive right here in Doha it is without doubt one of 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 important tiebreakers of his season thus far, in yesterday’s 7-6(12), 6-2 semifinal win over Alexei Popyrin and within the first set of at present’s last by similar 14-12 scores.
“I assumed yesterday’s was preparation for at present, 14/12,” Khachanov stated. “At the moment I couldn’t consider it was the identical rating, identical tie-break…
“I stayed robust, I’m extraordinarily completely satisfied that I gained the primary set. It lifted me lots and gave me lots of confidence to step up within the second.”
Doha followers appreciated Khachanov’s toughness underneath duress and applauded the breakout efficiency of first-time finalist Mensik as effectively.
Enjoying 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 last 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.
