Kukushkin Shines in Almaty Open Qualifying Round
Almaty, Kazakhstan – October 11, 2025 KTF NEWS SERVICE – Local wildcard Mikhail Kukushkin delivered an inspiring performance today at the Almaty Open ATP 250 championships, defeating sixth-seeded Taro Daniel of Japan with a score of 7-6(3), 6-1. The match, played at the Almaty Arena, showcased Kukushkin’s remarkable fitness and skill as he moved into the second round of qualifying.
Kukushkin, 37, captivated a lively crowd primarily composed of young tennis enthusiasts, demonstrating his prowess with a series of backhand winners and a commanding presence on the court. «For me, this tournament is truly special, and the support from the fans helped me a lot,» said Kukushkin after his match. «Tournaments like this one, held at home, mean a great deal to me. I always prepare for them in a special way — I try to arrive early, get ready properly, and play my best tennis.»
In other notable matches, Australian James Duckworth, a finalist in the 2021 Astana Open, overcame Georgian Saba Purtseladze after the latter retired with Duckworth leading 6-3, 1-0. Rinky Hijikata also advanced rallying past Switzerland’s Jakub Paul 7-6(2), 6-3, while French player Titouan Droguet displayed power by hitting 14 aces to defeat Denmark’s August Holmgren in straight sets, 7-6(1), 7-6(1).
German Marko Topo caused a stir by taking down fourth-seeded Billy Harris of Great Britain, winning 7-6(3), 6-4. Despite a promising start, local wildcard Denis Yevseyev was unable to secure victory against Bernard Tomic, losing 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
Qualifying Round 1 Results:
James Duckworth (AUS) bt Saba Purtseladze (GEO) 6-3, 1-0 (retired)
Rinky Hijikata (AUS) bt Jakub Paul (SUI) 7-6(2), 6-3
Ugo Blanchet (FRA) bt Ilia Simakin 6-3, 6-7(8), 7-6(5)
Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) bt Taro Daniel (JPN) [6] 7-6(3), 6-1
Titouan Droguet (FRA) bt August Holmgren (DEN) 7-6(1), 7-6(1)
Marko Topo (GER) bt Billy Harris (GBR) [4] 7-6(3), 6-4
Bernard Tomic (AUS) bt Denis Yevseyev (KAZ) [WC] 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
Kukushkin, 37, captivated a lively crowd primarily composed of young tennis enthusiasts, demonstrating his prowess with a series of backhand winners and a commanding presence on the court. «For me, this tournament is truly special, and the support from the fans helped me a lot,» said Kukushkin after his match. «Tournaments like this one, held at home, mean a great deal to me. I always prepare for them in a special way — I try to arrive early, get ready properly, and play my best tennis.»
In other notable matches, Australian James Duckworth, a finalist in the 2021 Astana Open, overcame Georgian Saba Purtseladze after the latter retired with Duckworth leading 6-3, 1-0. Rinky Hijikata also advanced rallying past Switzerland’s Jakub Paul 7-6(2), 6-3, while French player Titouan Droguet displayed power by hitting 14 aces to defeat Denmark’s August Holmgren in straight sets, 7-6(1), 7-6(1).
German Marko Topo caused a stir by taking down fourth-seeded Billy Harris of Great Britain, winning 7-6(3), 6-4. Despite a promising start, local wildcard Denis Yevseyev was unable to secure victory against Bernard Tomic, losing 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
Qualifying Round 1 Results:
James Duckworth (AUS) bt Saba Purtseladze (GEO) 6-3, 1-0 (retired)
Rinky Hijikata (AUS) bt Jakub Paul (SUI) 7-6(2), 6-3
Ugo Blanchet (FRA) bt Ilia Simakin 6-3, 6-7(8), 7-6(5)
Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) bt Taro Daniel (JPN) [6] 7-6(3), 6-1
Titouan Droguet (FRA) bt August Holmgren (DEN) 7-6(1), 7-6(1)
Marko Topo (GER) bt Billy Harris (GBR) [4] 7-6(3), 6-4
Bernard Tomic (AUS) bt Denis Yevseyev (KAZ) [WC] 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
For more information, please follow our social media accounts Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
24.11.2025
KTF press-service
14.11.2025
KTF press-service
