WATCH: Roger Federer’s trademark tweener replicates itself on Karen Khachanov’s racket at the Australian Open 2024!

Karen Khachnov recreates Roger Federer's famous tweener during his clash against Jannik Sinner at the 2024 Australian Open.

WATCH: Roger Federer’s trademark tweener replicates itself on Karen Khachanov’s racket at the Australian Open 2024!

Karen Khachanov and Roger Federer (Credits: Australian Open Twitter, Sarasota Herald Tribune)

The 2024 Australian Open is in its second week as players fight to secure their spots in the quarterfinals. The tournament has given fans a glimpse of life after the Big 3, as only Novak Djokovic is currently playing. 

Two-time champ Rafael Nadal (winner in 2009 and 2022) was also scheduled to play. But his injury flared up after his short run in Brisbane International. It eventually resulted in his withdrawal from the Grand Slam. 

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While there was no question about Roger Federer‘s appearance, fans worldwide today were certainly reminded of the 20-time Major winner. The 6-time winner’s elegance was much loved at Melbourne Park and today his shot-making returned in some form.

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The incident in the discussion took place during the fourth-round match between Jannik Sinner and Karen Khachanov. The duo were playing in the morning session of the Margaret Court Arena, where Sinner emerged victorious in straight sets. 

The fourth-seeded Italian won the match 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 in 2 hours and 34 minutes to reach the quarterfinals. Khachanov did have some moments to his name, but it was not enough for today. The best moment of magic, however, came in the third set. 

With Sinner serving in the second game of the third set, the two exchanged a few shots, with the Russian quickly approaching the net to control the proceedings. 

A drop shot by him forced the Italian to rush toward the net and lob him with the ball falling just inside the baseline.

Khachanov had no choice but to run and quickly improvised to hit a tweener between his legs. The shot was timed perfectly and lobbed Sinner easily with the Italian strangled near the net.

He was left with no choice but to see the ball land safely inside the baseline and concede the point. The Federer-esque shot immediately received a massive cheer from the crowd, as Khachanov also jumped in joy. 

Karen Khachanov on the verge of exit from Top-20

The defeat to Jannik Sinner will pinch Karen Khachanov. He would be eager to return to Tour and add more points to safeguard his ranking.

Karen Khachanov
Karen Khachanov (Credits: Eurosport)

The Russian was a semi-finalist at last year’s event losing to eventual runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas. As a result of his early exit, he lost 520 points and has already slipped 3 places in the live rankings.

With Cameron Norrie still in the competition, the Briton can leapfrog Khachanov easily. The Russian could find himself in the 19th spot in the rankings, assuming the British southpaw overtakes him. The months of February and March will now be crucial for the former World No. 8 before the clay season begins, increasing his difficulty. 

As for the Italian, he is now in the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park for the second time. He reached the last eight for the first time in 2022 before losing to Tsitsipas.

The fourth seed now awaits the winner of the clash between Andrey Rublev and local boy Alex de Minaur to know who will be his opponent.

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