Khachanov jumps into the spotlight after Chengdu win

The ascent of young rising ATP stars (aptly dubbed #NextGen players by the ATP) has been quick and welcome with standouts like Dominic Thiem winning four titles and reaching the Top 10 this year at the age of 23. Of course, there are even younger players rising in the ranks and collecting their own titles. Just look at last week's Chengdu Open winner Karen Khachanov.

The 20-year-old Russian took down Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the final, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 to reach a career-high ranking of No. 55. He joins fellow #NextGen first-time title winners Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev. (This year, Kygios won Atlanta and Marseille while Zverev won in St. Petersburg).

Before Chengdu, Khachanov's best ATP showing was reaching the quarterfinals of Kitzbuhel (he played predominantly ITF and ATP Challenger events in 2015). This year is the first time the Russian competed in a main-draw Grand Slam match, qualifying and reaching the second round of the US Open.

Winning Chengdu could be the beginning of an illustrious career for the young Russian, as he moves away from the ATP Challenger Tour and joins the big leagues on the ATP World Tour full time. He'll never forget his first trophy, especially with such memorable pandas by his side.