World No. 25 Karen Khachanov discussed his loss to Tommy Paul in the round of 16 at the Madrid Masters, where he was defeated with a score of 3/6, 6/3, 2/6.
Question: The comeback seemed close. How close was it?
Karen Khachanov: I didn`t immediately find my rhythm; the level wasn`t quite there. But in the second set, I managed to get a break and turn things around. Honestly, though, in the third set, I couldn`t execute what I planned on crucial break points, even though I had prepared for them. I knew my opponent often uses a slice serve that moves away, but I failed to return it into the court twice, and that allowed him to take control.
After that, his serve became very strong and consistent. My serve, on the other hand, wasn`t working well at all. It sounds crazy, but sometimes that happens.
Question: Broadly speaking, there are two perspectives: `something needs to change` or `I just need to keep going like this, and it will work out`. Which stage are you in?
Karen Khachanov: The matches I`ve lost have all been close. I reached the semifinals in Barcelona, which is already a better result. Maybe I need to work on adapting my game better and more precisely during the match. Also, I`m not playing against 14-year-olds; even with a good level, you can lose to strong opponents. The dynamic compared to last week is better, so I likely need to continue on the same path. Sometimes the level is more volatile, even within a single match. You might play not so well and win, and then play two fantastic matches in a row and lose. So, you just need to approach it more calmly and positively.
The Russian player also commented on yesterday`s power outage at the tournament.
Karen Khachanov: The lights went out when I was in the gym warming up. At first, nobody understood anything. We went to the court, and after warming up there, it became clear it wasn`t just the stadium affected. Everyone was baffled; nobody had ever been in a situation like that before. It felt like the first days of the pandemic – you don`t understand what`s happening or how to react. It`s good that they resolved it within 10 hours, at least.
Question: Did your phone battery last long enough for you to stay in touch during that time?
Karen Khachanov: The battery lasted, but the network wasn`t always working. In some places, I managed to get reception and send messages to my wife. Sometimes from my Russian number, sometimes from my coach`s phone. SMS messages made a comeback, naturally. I was already considering sending a carrier pigeon if I couldn`t connect.
But the main thing in such a situation is not to panic. Without phones, people immediately start getting anxious: how to communicate, what to do. You need to be ready for even things like that at all times.
