Karen Khachanov discloses the key to beating Alexander Zverev at Canadian Masters: ‘He got nervous’
Karen Khachanov says he is ‘super happy’ and ‘super proud’ to reach the final of the 2025 Canadian Masters, and believes that Alexander Zverev’s nerves in the crucial third-set tiebreak were crucial to his victory.
The Russian prevailed 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4) over the world No 3 after saving a match point in the semi-finals of the Canadian Masters 1000.
As a result, Khachanov booked his ticket to his second showpiece match at that level after having made – and won – the final in Paris-Bercy against Novak Djokovic in 2018.
“Yeah, definitely feels good,” said the Russian, during his post-match press conference.
“As a matter of fact, you know, having a great run so far, having another opportunity to play the final in this big event. So, yeah, super happy, super proud to do it once again.
“But, I mean, there is always some stats, you know, that could be, whatever, about the Masters 1000s or 500s, you know, or Grand Slam. So, I don’t put too much attention to that, to be honest.
“You know, even though it’s been quite a few years, but at the same time during this period of time I achieved some other great results in the Grand Slams, or the other achievements, so that’s why.
“You know, when you come to this point, I would say both players deserve to win, you know, him and myself. I cannot tell you what was the difference.
“In a way that, you know, whoever puts more balls inside the court, or maybe makes more winners, less unforced errors, it’s always a question of what do you do in those important moments when it counts.
“So I would say actually I was down 3-1, then I came back to 3-All. Then, it seems he made two unforced errors. But again, maybe I put a little bit more pressure, he got a little bit more nervous, more tight. So, this is how you play in those moments.
“You try to bring your A-game, and you can win, you can lose, but it is what it is.”
In the final, the world no 16 will face Ben Shelton, who overcame Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 and reached the biggest match of his career.
Khachanov has only faced the American on one occasion, with Shelton victorious 6-3, 7-5 in the third round of Indian Wells earlier in 2025.
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It was at the Canadian Masters where the Russian reached his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final, losing out to Rafael Nadal in 2018, matching that result the year after.
Since then, Khachanov failed to get past the third round.
“When I came here I didn’t like the conditions,” the world No 16 admitted.
“I can say it now. But that’s all about adjusting and adapting. I think tennis is all about that. Every week we play in different events.
“That’s why a lot of things matter sometimes on the results, so that’s why I think the question is about who adapts better. After you pass a couple of rounds, you start playing better.”
