Khachanov beats Mannarino in 55 minutes to win Kremlin Cup

Karen Khachanov breezed past Adrian Mannarino 6-2, 6-2 to win his third career ATP title at the Kremlin Cup on Sunday.

Khachanov's powerful serve dictated the match, as it has done all tournament. He fired in six aces and wrapped up the win in 55 minutes.

The 22-year-old Russian was only broken once all week and faced a single break point against Mannarino, which he saved.

Karen Khachanov of Russia, right, holds the trophy after winning the final match of the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament against Adrian Mannarino of France in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP PhotoPavel Golovkin)

"I'm happy with the game I displayed at this tournament, and that I was getting better and better with each match," Khachanov said. "That's what the top players do and it's what brings you results."

Khachanov has won all three of his tour finals to date, including a win in Marseille in February, while Mannarino has lost all six of the finals he has played.

Victory means Khachanov is guaranteed to enter the top 20 in the rankings for the first time, surpassing Daniil Medvedev as the top-ranked Russian.

Winner Karen Khachanov of Russia, left, and second placed Adrian Mannarino of France shake hands after the final match of the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP PhotoPavel Golovkin)

Khachanov is the first Russian man to win the Kremlin Cup since Mikhail Youzhny in 2009.

"It was my childhood dream to win my home tournament here in Moscow," Khachanov said.

Following Daria Kasatkina's victory over Ons Jabeur in the women's tournament Saturday, it's the first time since 2007 that both events have been won by home players.

Karen Khachanov of Russia reacts after winning the final match of the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament against Adrian Mannarino of France in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP PhotoPavel Golovkin)

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Karen Khachanov of Russia holds the trophy after winning the final match of the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament against Adrian Mannarino of France in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP PhotoPavel Golovkin)

Adrian Mannarino of France returns against Karen Khachanov of Russia during the final match of the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP PhotoPavel Golovkin)

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Blowing late leads has become a hallmark of Manchester United's season.

Erik ten Hag hopes that changes when Liverpool comes to Old Trafford on Sunday. United is still clinging to hopes of a Champions League spot, despite a stunning 4-3 loss to Chelsea on Thursday night.

United first gave away the lead in the 10th minute of stoppage time at Stamford Bridge and then the game a minute later — both goals coming from Cole Palmer.

That followed a blown lead in a 1-1 draw at Brentford last Saturday. United had just recovered from celebrating Mason Mount's goal in the 96th when Kristoffer Ajer tied it three minutes later.

“We can beat the best teams in the Premier League,” Ten Hag said. “When you beat them in the Premier League, you can do it across Europe, but we need to learn how you win games ... how you bring games over the line and get the three points. We have to step up."

Dropping five points in the past two games is “very expensive,” he added.

“Games are running out. We know that and we have to catch up and we are now many points behind,” Ten Hag said. “It will be difficult. We will keep fighting.”

With eight games remaining, United is nine points behind fifth-place Tottenham and 11 points back of fourth-place Aston Villa. Because of a format change to the Champions League next season, the Premier League might get a fifth spot in Europe's elite club competition.

Blowing leads is not a new problem.

United exited the Champions League at the group stage — in last place. They gave away second-half leads in three of those games: a 3-2 home loss to Galatasaray; a 4-3 defeat at Copenhagen; and a 3-3 draw at Galatasaray.

The good news? United has actually closed out a big win recently — over Liverpool 4-3 after extra time in a thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal match. Marcus Rashford tied it at 3-3 before Amad Diallo's winner at Old Trafford.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pointed to uncharacteristic errors that they'll need to avoid this time.

“We were really good that day but didn’t finish the situations off in extra time,” Klopp said. “We made mistakes we didn’t make before at all. We better play a really good football game to be honest, if we want something there.”

First-place Liverpool holds a two-point lead over Arsenal heading into the weekend.

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Manchester United's head coach Erik ten Hag gives instructions from the side line during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, April 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Manchester United players react after referee award a penalty to Chelsea during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, April 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)