Karen Khachanov opened up on the details of his fiery net exchange with
Ugo Humbert after the Russian was defeated by the home hero who was promptly giving a stern talking to at the net with the former saying it was like he was at school on the weekend.
Khachanov disclosed that in particular he was wrankled by his over-the-top celebrations against an injured opponent. With a spot in the final of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament on the line, they exchanged in a heated battle with Humbert getting fired up with the crowd.
But this did not sit well with Khachanov especially at the end as he was visibly struggling for the latter half of the match and could barely move for the final two games. Despite this injury, he continued to celebrate with the French crowd as he won 6-7, 6-4, 6-3. But while Humbert likely just saw it as heat of the moment, Khachanov was less pleased at how it went.
“I told him at the net to show more respect," said Khachanov to Ziggo Sport afterwards. "He has no idea how to behave. I’m always about fair play. I will congratulate him if he behaves like a normal person. That’s all I can say. You can be with the crowd. I have no problem with that. Did you see me celebrate yesterday? Grigor was exhausted. He wasn’t injured at the end, he told me. Did you see me jumping and screaming ‘Come on! Allez!’ After every point.. do you think it’s okay? You can celebrate after with the crowd no problem. You can do whatever you want. But while you see injuries are part of the game… to do it while you see the guy is on the ground? Okay, see you next time.”
"I felt sharp pain in three spots. I will see tomorrow with a doctor here and evaluate exactly how bad it is. If it's a small strain or small rupture, I don't know, no idea yet."