Karen Khachanov: 'Italy is still powerful, even without Matteo Berrettini'

On the opening day of the inaugural ATP Cup in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, 12 countries will fight for first victories and the leading position ahead of the remaining two clashes in the group stage. After the withdrawal of Matteo Berrettini, Spain and Russia remain the only countries with two top-20 players left in the competition, with Russia facing Italy on an opening day on Friday 3 in Perth. In the battle of the top-ranked players, the US Open finalist and two-time Masters 1000 champion Daniil Medvedev will take upon Monte Carlo winner Fabio Fognini, while Karen Khachanov should have an easier job against Stefano Travaglia before the remaining doubles encounter. Khachanov and Medvedev had landed in Perth together (Medvedev was in Monte Carlo while Khachanov practiced in Dubai), hitting the court and shaping up their game ahead of the first test against Italy, hoping for the best possible start of the competition where they are among the favorites for the title. Despite the absence of Berrettini, Khachanov thinks Italy is still a serious rival and they need to play at their best to oust them. 

"Even without Matteo Berrettini, Italy still has a strong team," Khachanov said. "It is crucial to make a good start; we will prepare well and do our best on the court. You never know what is going to happen and you have to be ready; everyone can play tennis and all teams are dangerous, that's why we have to give our 100%. That's what I can promise and the results should come. We don't really have a good record playing with each other and this is the opportunity to change that at the beginning of the new season. I think Daniil and I have different styles of play and sometimes you just don't fit each other, but we could play the doubles if necessary."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Qyj3ls