Interview Khachanov: ‘My teachers looked weird about it’

For years, Karen Khachanov (28) has been sticking his head above the ground. Highlights include a top10 ranking, Olympic silver and multiple semi-finals at Grand Slam level. Behind his distinctive hard hitting is a father of two with a chemistry knack.

How did your first steps on grass feel this year?
‘Like walking on carpet! Grass requires a different style of play, agility and flexibility from us players. At the same time, the grass season is short and you have very little time to make those adjustments. Still, I feel comfortable on it because you can play attacking and your serve comes through nicely.’

You can regularly be found in the Low Countries. What is typically Dutch for you?
‘That people are incredibly relaxed. Everyone smiles and seems unconcerned. No stress to be seen. If you look around here and see nature, you can enjoy yourself in peace and focus on tennis. That’s much easier here than in a busy city.’

What would you like to talk about more often in interviews?
‘Norms and values, your identity and interests outside tennis. Fans like to get to know the person behind the tennis player and not just base their opinion on forehands and backhands.’

Then to move on to non-tennis matters: What would you have liked to have known ten years ago?
‘That I needed to attach more importance to things outside the tennis court. By that I mean sleep, nutrition and similar peripheral issues and professionalism in general. Around the age of 25 I got everything right, but someone like Carlos Alcaraz has had a robust team around him from an early age.’

What is the best thing you have experienced off the court lately?
‘Last year, my second son was born and the little time we can spend as a family is incredibly precious to me. Especially when my parents and sister also visit Dubai or Barcelona, it’s the best thing there is. I still considered taking the kids to Libéma Open, but then we saw the weather forecast, haha!’

If you were to organise a cosy barbecue here, which three people from the past or present would you invite? Your kids don’t count!
‘Jason Statham, one of my favourite actors. Albert Einstein, to listen to and ask questions with open mouth. Finally Michelangelo to make it an eclectic mix. That makes it more fun!’

Did you actually have a particular obsession yourself as a child?
‘Chemistry. I’m no genius, but the formulas danced around nicely in my head. Even when I was allowed to miss many hours at school later in life due to tennis tournaments, I still always turned up for chemistry exams. My teachers looked strangely surprised. Maybe that’s why I had to think of Einstein for my barbecue, haha.’

What subject would you like to learn more about?
‘European history and that of Armenia, where my roots are.’

Is there anything specific you absolutely want to do after your tennis career?
‘I have many ideas, but a dream is to boost the sport of tennis in Armenia and get more children playing tennis. For this initiative, I would like to raise money, so hopefully one day I will get the chance to do that.’