"You never know when success is coming" - Karatsev elated following Dubai win

It has been a dream start to the season for Aslan Karatsev, as the Russian defeated Lloyd Harris to claim his maiden ATP title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday.

Having played an instrumental role in Team Russia's victory during the ATP Cup last month, Karatsev became the third Russian champion on the ATP Tour this season. He joins Daniil Medvedev (Marseille) and Andrey Rublev (Rotterdam) as title winners, except his compatriots are both ranked in the Top 10.

“I am super happy. It was a tight match. I was really nervous,” Karatsev said following his title victory “I want to congratulate my opponent for the final run. He did a great week… I am happy that I won.”

Karatsev has compiled a stellar 21-2 record this year, after having a career 3-10 record on the ATP circuit prior to the 2021 season. The 27-year old reached his maiden Grand Slam semifinal last month at the Australian Open (l. to Djokovic), with his only other loss in 2021 coming to World No.4 Dominic Thiem in Doha.

“You never know when success is coming," reflected Karatsev. "I did a good job with my team, with my coach and it has happened now.”

The World No.42 became the third wild card to win this event, and has a stranglehold on the fifth position in the FedEx ATP Race To Turin

“I am really happy with my performance and I am really happy with my game," added Karatsev. "At the beginning of the year, I was happy to play an Australian Open semi-final and to show a great level. After the Australian Open, I kept going, practicing hard… I arrived here with more belief than in Doha. I showed a fantastic week and a good game.”