French Open: Khachonav aims to beat Djokovic again

HAVING defeated Novak Djokovic before, Karen Khachonav is not intimidated by the Serbian as they get set to face each other at the French Open on Monday.

The Russian defeated the world No.1 in Paris two years ago in the final of the Paris Rolex Masters.

On Saturday, world No.16 Khachonav outlasted Chilean Cristian Garin 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 and he is now ready for the top seed Djokovic in Monday’s fourth-round clash.

“A lot of things. I think first of all, to try to maintain the level needed for the most time possible. I think the most important thing for me to stay steady, to believe in myself, to believe in the game that I’m playing,” Khachanov said, revealing his approach for facing the 2016 champion.

“He’s playing good on all surfaces. He proved it many times. I’m just taking it one match at a time, try to show my best. I will fight for sure every point.”

The 24-year-old defeated Djokovic is straight sets 7-5, 6-4 at the Paris Rolex Masters in 2018.

“Every new match is a new challenge, new opportunity. Maybe mentally you know that you beat him in this particular match, for sure it gives you the confidence inside to know that you’ve done it already once at least,” the Russian added.