Khachanov revels in ‘biggest achievement’ after Djokovic upset

PARIS: Russia’s Karen Khachanov capped an impressive year with the “biggest achievement” of his career as he stunned Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-4 in Sunday’s Paris Masters final.

Khachanov became the third different first-time winner of a Masters tournament this season -- joining Juan Martin del Potro and John Isner -- and will rise to a career-high ranking of 11th on Monday.

He denied Djokovic a fourth title in a row ahead of his return to world number one, and avenged a straightsets loss to the Serb at Wimbledon in July.

“It’s one of my biggest titles so far, biggest achievement. And in general, it’s a breakthrough season,” said Khachanov, who also won the Kremlin Cup in Moscow last month.

“And this title, it’s a good year-end. And maybe I’m not crying, but still I’m really happy.”

“To finish the season like this is really a dream come true,” he added.

Going into the event, Khachanov had won just three of 19 encounters against players in the top 10 but claimed a fourth such scalp in a week after snapping Djokovic’s 22-match winning run.

He could yet take part at the ATP Tour Finals in London after earning a spot as the second alternate for the season-ending event.

“I’m happy with the way I’m playing. I mean, match by match I was increasing my level,” said the 22-yearold Khachanov.

“I think that’s what I showed against all the top 10 guys. I mean, today was Novak, the one who is No. 1 in the world. That’s the first thing.