"It's important to finish the year well and build on the success of the US Open"

Karen Khachanov started the 2026 US Open unseeded, ranking 50th in the ATP rankings, but moved up 24 places at the end of the tournament. At the start of the tournament in New York, the 30-year-old Russian beat Roman Burruchaga, at that time the fourth racket of the world Felix Auger-Alliassim and Benjamin Bonzi. In the fourth round of the US Open, Karen passed 14th seed Lerner Thien in five sets, and in the quarterfinals he confidently defeated Alexander Bloks (a young talent from Belgium starred with the score 2:6, 5:7, 2:3). Khachanov reached the semifinals of the American "major" for the second time in his career and lost to the future champion Alexander Zverev at this stage. """ " After the breakthrough at the last "Slam" of the season, Karen stopped in Moscow and talked with Izvestia and Sport-Express.

""I'll give myself a 4.9 out of 5 for the American major""

— Which match at the last US Open can you call the best? A victory over Auger-Alliassim or Tien?

— I'll single out the match with Tien anyway, because he's playing very well, this is the first time I've met him. There was a tremendous intensity. The fact that I was able to break through his defenses is a great achievement. This victory felt special. It was also a tough match with Felix, but I had already managed to win against him (Khachanov leads 3-2 in personal meetings with the Canadian — Ed.).

— Daniil Medvedev said that if Tien had a strong serve, he could claim the status of the first racket of the world.

— We don't know that, no one will know. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. He takes what he has. Lerner is a very fast—paced and dangerous player.

— What grade would you give yourself for the American "major"? Five out of five?

— It can always be better, so I'll give you 4.9 out of 5. It's clear that you want to win every tournament you participate in. But let's look at it objectively: my form before I came to New York and the final result is a big difference. It definitely turned out to take a step forward, to show one hundred percent dedication.

— What are your plans for the near future?

— I'm not going to Hangzhou, I withdrew from the tournament. I will fly to Beijing, Shanghai, Almaty, Vienna and Paris — these are the plans by the end of the year.

— Is it possible to relax in Moscow for a week?

— I've been resting for the last four or five days. I started training today. I am glad that I was able to come to the basketball [VTB United League Super Cup] and support Alexander Ivanovich (Medvedev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Zenit" — Ed.).

— Are you planning to play at the "Trophies of Northern Palmyra" in St. Petersburg?

— I plan to, yes. A landmark tournament for Russian tennis fans, which is perfectly organized every year. I think I'll be able to confirm my participation soon.

"As long as Djokovic plays, he will always be among the favorites"

— What would be the ideal result for you by the end of the year? Return to the top 20?

— I would like to return to the top 15. That would be objective.

— What is the reason for Sasha Zverev's breakthrough this season?

— Yes, with nothing. It took him a long time to achieve this, he worked a lot. Sasha has deservedly been among the top five players in the world for many years. This season, he made the breakthrough he was missing.

— Do you think Novak Djokovic will still prove himself at major tournaments? Or did his results finally decline due to age?

— In any case, he should never be discounted — this is Novak. As long as he plays, he will always be among the favorites. Djokovic knows when he will lose motivation and fitness. Everything depends solely on him.

— Last November, you said goodbye to your long-time mentor Jose Clavet. Are you continuing to communicate?

— Yes, we are on very good terms. He remained for me not only a coach, but also a friend. I am glad that Jose is currently coaching another tennis player on the tour. We cross paths in different cities and correspond regularly.

— Are you satisfied with your team now?

- yes. My team has been with me for a long time. We have complete trust. But again, we must not forget to analyze and think about what is connected with what. Let's see what happens next. It is important to finish the year well and build on the success of the US Open.