"This initiative is so important": Karen Khachanov visits autism center ahead of Almaty title defense

ALMATY—Twelve months ago, Karen Khachanov ran the table at the Almaty Open to celebrate his seventh ATP title.

It was the signal of more to come for the former world No. 8, who went on to reach the Vienna final and semifinals of the Rolex Paris Masters to finish 2024 inside the Top 20.

Back in town for Kazakhstan’s biggest tennis tournament, Khachanov is the top seed at the 2025 edition after climbing back inside the Top 10 during a season that included a runner-up finish in Toronto and second Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance. But before beginning his title defense, Khachanov participated in a pair of meaningful activations around town.

On Monday, he was on hand to help launch the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation’s (KTF) new International Tennis Complex in the Alatau district alongside Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Alexander Shevchenko and Beibit Zhukayev. With this latest project complete, KTF has now supported the opening of 39 facilities across the nation since 2007.

On Tuesday, Khachanov toured the Asyl Miras Autism Center with Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. The two played developmental and drawing games with children, handed out gifts and chatted with teachers and parents. The Russian spoke highly about the work being carried out by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation to give every child an opportunity to succeed after seeing it first hand at one of the organization's 13 centers in 12 cities.

“In Kazakhstan, there are schools and education programs, but not really specialized ones for these children. That’s why this initiative is so important,” Khachanov told TENNIS.com. “It helps the kids adapt, socialize, and eventually attend regular schools. I think that’s really valuable.”

The 29-year-old didn’t take the chance to leave an impression on the kids he met, and raise awareness for children with autism spectrum disorders, lightly. As Khachanov and his wife Veronika are the proud parents to two boys, David and Mikael.

“I'm a father myself. I love kids in general. So if I can spend a little time with them and maybe inspire them in some small way, that’s something special for me,” he said.

“Children with autism have different needs and stages of development, and I think it’s important not to separate them, but to help them integrate and socialize with others. That’s great not just for them, but for society in general—and not only here in Kazakhstan, but everywhere in the world.”

In his return to the Almaty Arena, Khachanov awaits the winner of Jan-Lennard Struff and Mackenzie McDonald. The world No. 10 begins a week featuring three ATP 250 tournaments at No. 17 in the Race to Turin. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the only players to lock up ATP Finals berths thus far, leaving the door open for one rollercoaster fight to the finish line over the next month of competition.

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