Paris Masters: Karen Khachanov into the second round after Denis Shapovalov retires
- Published
- Place
- Paris La Défense Arena, Nanterre, France
- Event date
- Past event —
Summary
Russian player of Armenian descent Karen Khachanov, ranked 25th in the world, reached the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters on Monday 2 November at the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre. Canada’s Denis Shapovalov (No. 51) retired in the third set while leading 4-1, with the final score 6-3, 6-7 (6), 1-4. Khachanov had won the first set before his opponent levelled in a tie-break. At 3-1, 40-30 in the decider, Shapovalov stopped holding his right thigh and called a medical timeout. He resumed limping, held serve, then retired in the following game. In the second round, Khachanov will face Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the 13th seed, or French wildcard Moïse Kouamé, who play each other on Tuesday.
Analysis
It is a fortunate win for Khachanov, who was trailing when his opponent retired, but it keeps him alive in a tournament that has served him well: he won it in 2018, beating Novak Djokovic in the final, the biggest title of his career. A former world No. 8, he is looking to end the season climbing the rankings. For Shapovalov, the injury comes at a bad time, three weeks before the Davis Cup Final 8 with Canada.
Possible consequences
Next match in the second round, against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Moïse Kouamé.
