Lion-hearted qualifier Aslan Karatsev stuns Diego Schwartzman at Australian Open

Unknown Russian Aslan Karatsev caused a major shock at the Australian Open when he destroyed eighth seed Diego Schwartzman in straight sets.
The 27-year-old qualifier, ranked 114 in the world and playing at his first Grand Slam, stunned Argentinian ace Schwartzman 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 on the John Cain Arena.
Including qualifying Karatsev has now played six matches at the tournament and dropped only one set.
And he showed nerves of steel as he closed out the match of his life with an ace down the middle.
It’s the biggest win of Aslan Karatsev’s career 👏
The 🇷🇺 qualifier takes out the No. 8 seed in Melbourne!@AustralianOpen | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/CmfWuKapmK
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 12, 2021
Karatsev suffered a serious knee injury in training in 2017 which kept him out for six months.
He was a member of Russia’s triumphant ATP Cup team last week, as a doubles player, but did not play a live match due to the form of singles stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev.
Karatsev said on court: “I had a big injury on my knee but after two years I recovered.
“The ATP Cup was great, we have unbelievable players in Daniil and Andrey, and it gave me a lot of confidence when we won.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
ATP boss hails Novak Djokovic after No 1 record, saying feat ‘may stand as his single most impressive’
Andrea Gaudenzi praises Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer on Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s recent feats: ‘What they have done is extraordinary’
Roger Federer full of praise for his two great rivals.
-
Tennis News
Some notable former Qatar Open champions: From Boris Becker to Novak Djokovic
Oli Jefford on some prestigious names who have won the Qatar Open.
-
Tennis News
Serena Williams expresses support for ‘selfless friend’ Meghan Markle as she hits out at ‘malicious’ tabloids
“She teaches me every day what it means to be truly noble.”
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s ATP Rankings milestones as he reaches 311 weeks at No 1 to surpass Roger Federer’s record
A look at Novak Djokovic’s ATP Rankings milestones.
-
Tennis Features
Notable former Dubai Tennis Championship winners, including Martina Hingis and Justine Henin
A look at the big stars to have won in Dubai.
-
ATP Tour
Diego Schwartzman seals emotional title on home soil in Buenos Aires
Diego Schwartzman crowned Argentina Open champion.
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev’s stunning record in ATP 500 events continues with Rotterdam win
Andrey Rublev continued his run in ATP 500 events .
-
ATP Tour
Roger Federer hopes to return to ‘100 per cent’ fitness in time for Wimbledon
Federer has needed two operations to correct knee issue.
-
WTA Tour
On This Day in 2016: Maria Sharapova reveals positive drugs test
Maria Sharapova was banned from tennis for 15 months.