By Chris Oddo | Sunday October 21, 2018
Russia's Karen Khachanov rolled past Adrian Mannarino in Moscow to claim his third career title.
Photo Source: Kremlin Cup
Serve big, hit big, play big.
Karen Khachanov came up big in every way on home soil on Sunday, winning the Kremlin Cup title with a jaw-dropping takedown of France’s Adrian Mannarino, 6-2, 6-2.
As a result, the 22-year-old will reach a career-high ranking and make his Top 20 debut in Monday’s ATP rankings.
On Sunday he played like he can go much higher.
Khachanov improved to 3-0 lifetime in finals and 39-21 on the season with an all-out demolition against the southpaw, who struggled to contend with Khachanov’s booming power.
Khachanov dropped just five points on serve in the first set and converted both break points he faced to take it 6-2.
He then tapped the accelerator to reel off the first four games of the second set before Mannarino could get on the board.
It was only a temporary speedbump. Khachanov served out the title in bold fashion, closing the victory with a forehand winner at the 54-minute mark.
Khachanov won 11 of 13 second-serve return points and dropped just 11 points on serve en route to his second title of 2018.