Khachanov Fights Back To Hand Team Russia Lead In Perth

Karen Khachanov weathered an early storm to fight back and give Team Russia the lead on Friday in Perth at the inaugural ATP Cup.

Khachanov recovered from 2-5 down in the first set — and saved one set point at 3-5 — en route to a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Stefano Travaglia of Team Italy over 88 minutes in Group D at the RAC Arena.

Travaglia started aggressively, breaking twice before Khachanov began to find his game. He sealed the 51-minute opener with a backhand winner and broke for a 4-2 advantage in the second set.

Daniil Medvedev, who compiled a 59-21 match record and lifted four ATP tour titles in 2019, will next look to hand Team Russia an unassailable 2-0 lead against No. 12-ranked Fabio Fognini of Team Italy in the second singles match. World No. 5 Medvedev has won their past two FedEx ATP Head2Head meetings.

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