Khachanov ends 3-match loss streak at expense of Evans

Dubai-based Karen Khachanov ended a three-match losing streak as he defeated wild card Dan Evans, with the local keen to forget his last match against the Brit.

The pair last ment in a US Open epic last season, with Evans clocking his fifth win in the series – but only after more than five hours of struggle.

“Don’t remind me of htat match,” Khachanov said after reaching the second round, “It was a nightmare, tch, nightmare

“Five hours at the US Open. I’m so happy I won today for the first time against him,

Khachanov had not scored a Tour victory since the Australian Open second round six weeks ago.

The right-hander competing here for the ninth time, was pleased with his straight-set win over the No. 178 Brit who was playing an ATP-level match for the first time since October.

“He’s tricky for me,” Khachanov said. “I played well and I’m super. 

He’s tricky for me, played well, I was super happy. I’m thinking about my game all the time. I’ve been trying to improve, I don’t have so many matches under my belt.

“I’m looking for rhythm and form, I need to play as much as possible.”