#NextGen star Karen Khachanov made a memorable debut at the Generali Open in Kitzbuhel on Monday as he defeated qualifier Filippo Volandri 6-2, 6-4 in 69 minutes.
The 20-year-old Russian broke serve five times as he beat Volandri, 14 years his senior, for a clash with second seed Philipp Kohlschreiber. It marked Khachanov’s fourth tour-level win of the season and first since April, when he reached the second round in Istanbul.
“I think in some moments I wasn’t really focused, that’s why at the beginning of the first set I lost my serve,” said Khachanov. “Then in the second set it was the same. So I didn’t play maybe the way I wanted to, but in the end the most important thing is to win, and I’m happy to go through.
“I’m enjoying the tournament so much, it’s such a nice view here. It’s amazing to be in this event. It’s well organised, the hotel, the club. It has a big history, this tournament, so I’m really happy to be here.”
In an all-Spanish contest, qualifier Daniel Gimeno-Traver ousted seventh seed Inigo Cervantes 6-4, 6-4. Another Spaniard advanced as Daniel Munoz de la Nava dismissed Michael Berrer 6-3, 6-3.
Igor Sijsling notched his 50th tour-level win as he defeated qualifier Kenny De Schepper 7-5, 6-2 in 72 minutes.
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