Olympics a 'special event' for Khachanov
The Olympic Games has created some of the most iconic sporting memories and Karen Khachanov hopes he can add his name to that list when he steps out at Tokyo 2020.
“I never participated in the Olympic Games,” he said. “For sure, it’s a really special event for me and for my country.”
And sport can bring people together like nothing else. Khachanov himself fondly recalls his own childhood memories of watching those big moments from previous Games.
He said: “I remember with my family many times, Winter Olympic Games, Summer Olympic Games, both, sitting in front of [the] TV, cheering for our sportsmen. I still have this picture in front of my eyes.”
And it might just be that Khachanov flies under the radar at the Olympic Tennis Event. The 25-year-old has plenty of ability and explained why he hopes the conditions will suit his game.
“On this surface we play most of the tournaments,” he said. “It’s no secret that it’s one of my favourite surfaces, outdoor hard courts suit [me] pretty well. It will be quite hot there, but we’re all in the same conditions, and I hope to have a good week.”
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tennis Event starts on Friday 24 July, with the medal matches scheduled to take place on 30 July-1 August.