Breaking News

Kontaveit beats Vondrousova at VTB Kremlin Cup-2021 to avenge her Winbledon loss

October 23, 01:30 PM

Middelkoop and Heliovaara become second finalists of VTB Kremlin Cup-2021 doubles event

October 23, 01:15 PM

Photo gallery of the fifth game day, October 22

October 22, 11:45 PM

Karatsev garanteed an All-Russian semifinals at the VTB Kremlin Cup-2021

October 22, 11:15 PM

Khachanov outserved Millman with 19 aced to reach SF at VTB Kremlin Cup

October 22, 09:15 PM

Aslan Karatsev: «My goal is to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in Turin»

October 24, 08:30 PM

Karatsev outpayed Cilic to win VTB Kremlin Cup singles title

October 24, 07:00 PM

Harri Heliovaara: «We play tennis just to have the kind of rallies we’ve had in the "VTB Kremlin Cup" finals»

October 24, 06:45 PM

Anett Kontaveit: «Ekaterina played great, it seemed I had no chance»

October 24, 05:15 PM

Ekaterina Alexandrova: «The loss to Kontaveit is very painful, but I won’t make it a drama»

October 24, 04:00 PM

Kontaveit came back from a set and two breaks down to beat Alexandrova in the VTB Kremlin Cup final

October 24, 02:30 PM

Aslan Karatsev: «I know what to expect from Cilic, I am ready for the final»

October 23, 10:00 PM

Karen Khachanov: «I made errors in the tie-break, it played a key role in the match against Karatsev»

October 23, 09:30 PM

Marin Cilic: «To reach another VTB Kremlin Cup final is a special moment for me»

October 23, 08:30 PM

Jelena Ostapenko: «I'm enjoying my freedom in Moscow!»

October 23, 07:00 PM

Ostapenko/Siniakova clinched doubles title at VTB Kremlin Cup-2021

October 23, 04:45 PM

Anett Kontaveit: «It’s going to be a tough battle with Alexandrova in the final»

October 23, 04:45 PM

Supported by

Ministry of sport of the Russian Federation

Department<br>for sport<br>of Moscow city

Damir Dzhumhur: «Mirza is my best friend but someone had to win today»

October 21, 08:00 PM

-You won an easy first set and a tough second one, how did you manage to win the match?

I was playing in the first set without making any errors. I was serving very well, he was tight, I could feel that. He was nervous, I used that at the start to take the lead 3:0, then I was up 4:0. I knew this was gonna be an easy set but the second one won't be easy because you can't have two easy sets against such a guy as Mirza. When he is serving well, when he is in the zone, he is very dangerous and he showed that in the second set. I mean, I had eight match points in that game when I was up 6:5, but I just couldn't finish it as he played well - either pulling off amazing serves or good forehands, good volleys and, you know, after a few match points when you don't use them, you get a little bit tight and a little bit nervous because you're expecting to finish it in two sets, you don't want to go into a third set. I knew the tie-break was gonna be another tough one and it was. 11-9! He had a few set-points, I am sure if we took it into a third set, he'd be in advantage, he would gain confidence and I'd be down because I didn't use so many matchpoints. Si I knew I had to finish it in two sets. Luckily I did it and I’m in the finals!

It's a historical day today, it is a first ever Bosnian semifinal. What does it mean for your country?

It means a lot for us. It means a lot for Bosnian tennis. It means a lot for Bosnian people. I think at home in Bosnia everybody was watching us today. Some people were cheering up for him, some people were supporting me. But I think most of the people were just enjoying tennis, especially in the second set Mirza played some very good tennis we could enjoy that match. I am really happy that we made Bosnia proud of us. Definitely before starting the tournament we couldn't even imagine that we are going to play semis here in Moscow. It's a huge thing for both of us, especially for Mirza for whom it was the first semis. I am playing well in Russia, I am very happy that at the end of the day I won. I don’t feel too good that I won against my best friend Mirza, but one of us had to go to the finals. And I would say the same if I lost.

Did you expect your opponent Mirza Basic to play such a level, and, to be honest, the Russian media know little about him, we know you as you won the title at the St. Petersburg Open and you are having a great season so far?

Well, at first, I was so happy that Mirza won, but on the other side I didn't won to play him. We played just three times when we were playing futures but there is nothing in common with the tennis we play today right now. I am playing much better, he is playing much better. It is never easy to play against your best friend, the guy from your country. You are nervous, I don't know how I overcame this tightness at the start because I didn't really feel it I was playing very well. I knew he could play some good tennis and be really dangerous. He showed it against [Daniil] Medvedev coming back in the match or against [Laslo] Djere when he was playing absolutely amazing tennis. I knew he can do it. I just don't understand how he is not better because every tournament we are with him, we are together he plays well. And then when we didn't see each other, he didn't play so well. I don't know if it all fits or not. He is a great player, he could show some amazing tennis, I hope he is gonna be a Top100 player soon.

What is the main reason for such a success in Russia: you won the title in St. Petersburg, now you are in the Moscow finals?

There is something in the air here(laughter). I really don't know, but it just seems to me I like playing in Russia for I don't know what reason. Probably because of the surface, it's a little bit faster here. Also in St. Petersburg it's a little bit faster which I usually like in the last few months. I don't see another reason, maybe it's also luck.

How did you like the crowd's support today?

It was great. The crowd is always good in Russia. I am really surprised so many people came to watch us not just today but also during the previous rounds before even R1 you could see almost full stands. So many people came to watch us! We both had our fans. It was apleasure to play here in Moscow.

Are you going to follow the second semis and do you have any preference whom to play against in the finals?

I don't have any preference. I played both of the players before, I lost two times to Mannarino, I am 1-2 in my head to-head against Berankis. It's gonna be definitely tough, both players are playing well at this tournament. Mannarino is in great shape this year, I hope it’s gonna be a good final. I am really happy I am in the finals without any pressure and I just want another good match from myself

Have you visited some city sights in Moscow?

Nothing. It was just the hotel and the restaurant next to the hotel and courts. On Monday I have an evening flight, so I want to see a little bit of Moscow. I have been to Moscow many times, but again it is always nice to visit the Red Square.

Breaking News

Photo gallery of the final game day, October 24

Schedule for October, 24th

Karatsev sails into VTB Kremlin Cup finals after beating Khachanov

Cilic became the first finalist of the VTB Kremlin Cup

Alexandrova reached the VTB Kremlin Cup final as Sakkari retired

Kontaveit beats Vondrousova at VTB Kremlin Cup-2021 to avenge her Winbledon loss

Middelkoop and Heliovaara become second finalists of VTB Kremlin Cup-2021 doubles event

Photo gallery of the fifth game day, October 22

Karatsev garanteed an All-Russian semifinals at the VTB Kremlin Cup-2021

Khachanov outserved Millman with 19 aced to reach SF at VTB Kremlin Cup

Breaking News

Photo gallery of the final game day, October 24

Schedule for October, 24th

Karatsev sails into VTB Kremlin Cup finals after beating Khachanov

Cilic became the first finalist of the VTB Kremlin Cup

Alexandrova reached the VTB Kremlin Cup final as Sakkari retired

Kontaveit beats Vondrousova at VTB Kremlin Cup-2021 to avenge her Winbledon loss

Middelkoop and Heliovaara become second finalists of VTB Kremlin Cup-2021 doubles event

Photo gallery of the fifth game day, October 22

Karatsev garanteed an All-Russian semifinals at the VTB Kremlin Cup-2021

Khachanov outserved Millman with 19 aced to reach SF at VTB Kremlin Cup

Aslan Karatsev: «My goal is to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in Turin»

Karatsev outpayed Cilic to win VTB Kremlin Cup singles title

Harri Heliovaara: «We play tennis just to have the kind of rallies we’ve had in the "VTB Kremlin Cup" finals»

Anett Kontaveit: «Ekaterina played great, it seemed I had no chance»

Ekaterina Alexandrova: «The loss to Kontaveit is very painful, but I won’t make it a drama»

Kontaveit came back from a set and two breaks down to beat Alexandrova in the VTB Kremlin Cup final

Aslan Karatsev: «I know what to expect from Cilic, I am ready for the final»

Karen Khachanov: «I made errors in the tie-break, it played a key role in the match against Karatsev»

Marin Cilic: «To reach another VTB Kremlin Cup final is a special moment for me»

Jelena Ostapenko: «I'm enjoying my freedom in Moscow!»

Ostapenko/Siniakova clinched doubles title at VTB Kremlin Cup-2021

Anett Kontaveit: «It’s going to be a tough battle with Alexandrova in the final»