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Karen Khachanov Age: 29 (21 May 1996) Birth place: Moscow, Russia Career high: World No. 8 Singles titles: 7 Miami Open Best: Semifinals in 2023 Prize Money: US$ 21,629,612 www.instagram.com/karenkhachanov Karen Khachanov was born in Moscow and started playing tennis at the age of three. He turned professional in 2013 and gradually established himself on the ATP Tour with a powerful baseline game and steady results. His first ATP title came in 2016 at the Chengdu Open, a breakthrough that confirmed his potential. In 2018, he won the biggest title of his career at the Paris Masters, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final and entering the top 10 for the first time. When conversation turns to Miami, Khachanov keeps it simple. Asked what comes to mind when he thinks of the city, he answers in his own relaxed way: “I would say Miami vibes. Definitely the art district of Miami. A lot of restaurants, shops, just a place to walk around and chill.” The atmosphere clearly leaves an impression, not only because of the tournament but because of the lifestyle around it. That balance between competition and family is central to his routine. Khachanov married his childhood friend, Veronika Shkliaeva, and they have children together. During tournaments, if his wife and kids are with him, his time off is uncomplicated. “If my wife and my family, my kids, are with me, I just like to walk around. Maybe go to the park, maybe to the zoo. It depends on the tournament. Sometimes there’s a swimming pool, sometimes we just chill in the room or walk on the street.” If it is only him and his wife, the pace changes slightly. “Maybe we go to a nice restaurant and spend time talking, just being the two of us.” Other weeks include team dinners and board games, depending on who is around. Physically, Miami presents specific challenges. The heat and humidity can affect players differently. Khachanov does not approach it with a complicated strategy. “I would say it’s a little bit natural,” he explains. “Some players get better with the heat and humidity. Some have a tougher reaction to that. For me, I didn’t do anything in particular to prepare for those conditions. It comes more naturally that I can resist and feel okay in those conditions.”