Mensik fell short of glory against a massive Khachanov in Doha

Jakub Mensik is on the verge of making history and win the title in his first participation in an ATP tournament (so far there has only been one Challengers player and two Grand Slams), after losing in the final of the Doha tournament to Karen Khachanov 7-6(12), 6-4.

The match started evenly, although the Russian was a little more focused and took the initiative. The Olympic runner-up won her serves with authority, while Mensik, more nervous and erratic, struggled to keep up.

The Czech gradually loosened up and showed the potential he has, against a Khachanov who still didn’t give any choice to serve.

So a tiebreak was reached in which Mensik went up 5-2, for which he accused the lack of experience common to his age. Khachanov managed to balance the score and ended the tiebreaker that was resolved in favor of the second seed by a tight 14-12identical score as achieved the previous day in the semifinal against Popyrin.

The blow of losing the first set in such a manner was devastating Mensik, who surrendered his serve in the opening game of the second. Things were starting to get very difficult for the young tournament sensation who, however, did not give up.

The match was balanced again in terms of play, but that didn’t help Mensik, who needs to take a step forward from the rest to recover from the break he suffered and return to the final. This is not possible. Khachanov gave a real lesson in poise and serenity and didn’t let his young rival react.

In the end, it was 7-6(12) and 6-4 for the Russian, who asserted his status as the favourite. against the butcher of Davidovich, Murray, Rublev and Monfils to add the sixth title of his career.

Earlier, in the doubles final, Scotsman Jamie Murray and New Zealander Michael Venus defeated Italians Lorenzo Musetti and Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(0), 2-6, 10-8.