“Find this reporter and whip him”- Karen Khachanov faced with “racist” question as he tries to maintain composure, viral video reaches angry fans on social media

Karen Khachanov questioned on his name, as an old video resurfaces on the internet.

“Find this reporter and whip him”- Karen Khachanov faced with “racist” question as he tries to maintain composure, viral video reaches angry fans on social media

Karen Khachanov (via Imago)

Karen Khachanov, the Russian star is known for his outstanding performances in the ATP tournaments, getting his ranking up. Recently, a video pulled up on the internet, where the interviewer started with a racist question for the Russian. 

In what seemed like an interview at the Chengdu Open tournament, Khachanov was faced with a racist question to start things off. Without hesitation, the reporter asked the player why he had a girl’s name. Traditionally, Karen is a woman’s name but it can also mean something different in various cultures like that of Khachanov’s.

YouTube video

As he tried to maintain composure, the Russian answered the question.

FS Video
It’s not a girl’s name, it's an Armenian name.
Khachanov replied

Arms crossed, the Russian chose to answer the question, while trying to not lose his cool. However, the fans did not take it lightly and took shots at the reporter for being racist. “Find this reporter and whip him,” tweeted a fan on the video. Similarly, there were many reactions to the comment made by the reporter. 

It may have been an old video, but it pulled many reactions from the fans. Nonetheless, the Russian has moved on since then, trying his luck in various tournaments. 

Karen Khachanov enters the Qatar Open as the No.2 seed after the good show of tennis in previous tournaments

Russian pro-Karen Khachanov is the one underdog that people tend to forget, but he strikes when it is most important. 

Karen Khachanov
Karen Khachanov (via Imago)

In 2024, the 27-year-old surpassed many players by making it to the fourth round of the Australian Open. He lost to Jannik Sinner in straight sets but did not lose form. In the next tournament, the Russian progressed before falling in the semi-finals of the Open 13. Khachanov’s third tournament of the season is in Qatar, where he enters as the No.2 seed. 

Elsewhere, here are some of the reactions to the viral clip:

After Rafael Nadal pulled out, it left the Russian as one of the top players in the mix, allowing him to shine in one of the two important ATP tournaments in the Middle East. The top seed of the tournament is Andrey Rublev, who is also in need of some titles after a good run at Melbourne. With a good opportunity to gain some points, the Russian will try his luck at the Qatar Open.

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