Karen Khachanov’s long-standing partnership with one of his coaches has come to an end.
The world number 18, who recently made the round of 16 at the Paris Masters, had worked with coach Jose [Pepo] Clavet for ‘almost six years.’
Clavet, who reached a career high of world number 178 during his playing career, won two ATP Challenger titles: in Verona, Italy, and Lins, Brazil.
Since retiring from his playing career, Clavet has coached numerous players, including former world number two Alex Corretja and fellow Spanish stars Fernando Verdasco, Tommy Robredo, and Feliciano Lopez.
Khachanov, the latest player to work with Clavet, announced the split from the Spaniard on Thursday.
Karen Khachanov’s message to Pepo Clavet
On Instagram, Khachanov said: “After almost six years together, our professional partnership has come to an end. What an adventure it has been.
“I’m truly grateful to Pepo for being part of my team and for everything we achieved together.
“He’s one of the most positive and kind-hearted people I know. More than just a great coach, he became a true friend and part of my extended family. We’ll definitely keep supporting each other on the road.
“Muchas gracias, Pepotrof, for everything, for pushing me every day, for your dedication, and for believing in me. Abrazos fuerte [strong hugs.]”
Khachanov recently lost four consecutive opening-round matches. However, he steadied the ship at the Paris Masters, losing to Alex de Minaur in the fourth round.
The Russian, who has not qualified for the ATP Finals in Turin, will look to rise back up the rankings in 2026 after falling from the top 10 to world number 18.
‘He has the ability to do anything’
During an interview with the ATP Tour ahead of the 2023 Australian Open, Clavet expressed the pride he felt in watching Khachanov’s game.
“He has the ability to do anything,” Clavet said.
“He is very aggressive from the baseline, he serves very well. For his height he has great mobility. The net is the part he still has to improve, but it’s not that he’s bad there. What makes me proudest is how complete his game is.
“And of course, he dreams of lifting a Grand Slam. Players are like that, in a way they have the right to hope they’ll do it.
“Karen has been in the quarters at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, he’s reached the semis at the US Open and now the Australian Open. He is two matches away. Why not? He’s won five and there are two left. You always have to think positive. He is doing that now and I’m sure he dreams of it.”
While Khachanov has not won a Grand Slam, he has certainly achieved a lot during his time working with Clavet.
Khachanov has won multiple titles while working with Clavet. In 2023, the Russian won the Zhuhai Championships, defeating Yoshito Nishioka in the final.
In 2024, the Russian won two ATP titles: the Qatar Open and Almaty Open.
This year, Khachanov has reached the quarter-finals of Wimbledon and made the Canadian Open final, losing to Ben Shelton.
The Russian has cracked the ATP top 10 on multiple occasions during his partnership with Clavet, most recently during the North American hard-court swing this year.
