Khachanov beats Mannarino in 55 minutes to win Kremlin Cup

Posted October 21, 2018 7:00 am

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH

Karen Khachanov of Russia, right, holds the trophy after winning the final match of the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament against Adrian Mannarino of France in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) The Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) - Karen Khachanov breezed past Adrian Mannarino 6-2, 6-2 to win his third career ATP title at the Kremlin Cup on Sunday.

Khachanov's powerful serve dictated the match, as it has done all tournament. He fired in six aces and wrapped up the win in 55 minutes.

The 22-year-old Russian was only broken once all week and faced a single break point against Mannarino, which he saved.

"I'm happy with the game I displayed at this tournament, and that I was getting better and better with each match," Khachanov said. "That's what the top players do and it's what brings you results."

Khachanov has won all three of his tour finals to date, including a win in Marseille in February, while Mannarino has lost all six of the finals he has played.

Victory means Khachanov is guaranteed to enter the top 20 in the rankings for the first time, surpassing Daniil Medvedev as the top-ranked Russian.

Khachanov is the first Russian man to win the Kremlin Cup since Mikhail Youzhny in 2009.

"It was my childhood dream to win my home tournament here in Moscow," Khachanov said.

Following Daria Kasatkina's victory over Ons Jabeur in the women's tournament Saturday, it's the first time since 2007 that both events have been won by home players.

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Winner Karen Khachanov of Russia, left, and second placed Adrian Mannarino of France shake hands after the final match of the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) The Associated Press

Karen Khachanov of Russia holds the trophy after winning the final match of the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament against Adrian Mannarino of France in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) The Associated Press

Adrian Mannarino of France returns against Karen Khachanov of Russia during the final match of the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) The Associated Press

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