World No. 15 Karen Khachanov secured a second-round victory at the Rome Masters, defeating Kazakhstan's Alexander Shevchenko. Following the match, the Russian tennis star offered a detailed and respectful assessment of his opponent's game.
Khachanov described Shevchenko as a formidable adversary, using a vivid comparison to illustrate his on-court demeanor. "He's like a pitbull — he really digs in," Khachanov stated, highlighting the intensity and fighting spirit his opponent brings to every point, even in the way he breathes between rallies.
The Russian player broke down Shevchenko's strengths, noting that he performs well across all aspects of the game. Khachanov pointed to his solid serve, effective return, and good movement around the court as key components of his challenging style of play.
While identifying a potential area for improvement, Khachanov was careful to frame it constructively. He suggested that Shevchenko's touch shots, such as volleys and drop shots, might not be as refined as his other strokes. However, Khachanov was quick to add that these situations do not arise frequently enough in a match to be a decisive factor.
Beyond the tactical analysis, Khachanov emphasized the personal respect between the two competitors. He described Shevchenko as a "classy guy" and noted that they have always maintained a good relationship off the court. This mutual respect translates into their professional encounters.
"We always treat each other with respect when we play against each other," Khachanov explained. He concluded by acknowledging that Shevchenko is consistently a difficult player to defeat, underscoring the challenge he presents even for a top-15 player.
The interview was conducted by Чемпионат correspondent Daniil Salnikov. Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.