On cusp of Top 10 breakthrough, Khachanov "working harder than ever"

Press Conference: Karen Khachanov wins the Paris Masters

Karen Khachanov says he's training hard as he stands within reach of the Top 10.

The 6'6" 22-year-old is up to No. 11 in the rankings following his victory at the Paris Masters, where he won the title by defeating Top 10 players: John Isner, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and then Novak Djokovic in the finals.

“I was really happy to play this kind of final against the best player in the world, and to know I can compete against guys like Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal], Novak, Andy [Murray], Stan [Wawrinka], and [Juan] Martin del Potro," Khachanov told the Abu Dhabi National. "When I was young I was watching them play and now I am competing against them at the highest level."

The Russian also took Rafael Nadal to four sets at the US Open. Nadal has beaten Khachanov all five times they have played, including three times in 2018, but their meeting in the third round at Flushing Meadows was exceptionally tight, with Nadal prevailing, 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7), 7-3 (3).

According to Khachanov, it was "one of the best" performances of his season, with "lots of exciting rallies and great sportsmanship."

Khachanov will open the season at the Abu Dhabi exhibition, where Nadal and Djokovic are also both playing. He says he is not aiming for a specific goal but if he can "play at the same level or even better, there is the potential to always achieve better."

“The goals can change," Khachanov said. "At the moment, I’m in pre-season working harder than ever before,” he said. “If I keep playing the way I’m playing I hope it will give me even more results, and I will be even higher.”

In 2019, the ATP, WTA—and so much more—are on Tennis Channel Plus: