World No. 10 tennis player Karen Khachanov has candidly discussed his aspirations and challenges regarding qualification for the prestigious ATP Finals in Turin. Currently, he is ranked 15th in the ATP Race to Turin, battling for one of the coveted spots.
The Pursuit of a Year-End Spot
When asked if the possibility of qualifying for the year-end tournament remains on his mind, Khachanov confirmed his awareness and determination:
“Of course, I`m keeping track. But the true focus is always my game and my current level. If those are strong, then I can realistically aim for deeper runs in tournaments. My goals haven`t changed: I wanted to return to the top 10 rankings and finish the year there, and also try to make it to the ATP Finals. This goal is definitely present in my thoughts. However, the crucial aspect is finding a balance, so I don`t burden myself with excessive pressure. It`s one thing to have a goal and work towards it, and another to become completely consumed by it to the point of obsession.”
Navigating Form and Fatigue
Khachanov further elaborated on his approach to managing expectations and performance:
“You need to set goals, but at the same time, avoid adding unnecessary pressure. My recent tournaments haven`t been particularly successful, but the unique nature of tennis means you get a chance to reset and change everything every single week. I understand my current state, what areas I need to improve, and why some close matches ended in defeat. Perhaps it`s a general sense of fatigue – both mental and physical – because I`ve played continuously from the clay-court season right through to the end of summer without a break. It`s essential to consider that a small dip in performance is almost inevitable at some point.”
A Pragmatic View on Hypotheticals
The conversation then shifted to a hypothetical scenario, asking how Khachanov would react if he finished just outside the top eight, in 9th or 10th place, referencing Daniil Medvedev`s strong statement about not attending the ATP Finals even as an alternate. Khachanov approached the question with a pragmatic and cautious outlook:
“We`ll see. First, I need to get there, and then we`ll decide what to do. As the saying goes, don`t count your chickens before they hatch.”
This response underscores Khachanov`s focus on the immediate challenge and his practical perspective on the intense competition for a spot among the world`s top eight players at the season-ending championship.
