"It's beneficial for society in general," Khachanov visited a center for autistic children in Almaty

Top seed and defending champion of the ATP 250 tournament in Almaty, Karen Khachanov visited a center for autistic children before his first match.

Winner of seven titles on the ATP Tour, Karen Khachanov recently returned to the top 10. Competing this week in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the 29-year-old Russian hopes to defend the title he won last year.

Before his first match against either Jan-Lennard Struff or Mackenzie McDonald, the 2018 Paris-Bercy Masters 1000 champion visited autistic children at a center in the Kazakh city with Fabian Marozsan, who is also competing in the Almaty tournament, and the two men played games with them.

They also gave them gifts before speaking with their teachers and parents. Khachanov discussed the work done by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, which works to ensure every child has a chance to succeed in school despite their disability.

"In Kazakhstan, there are schools and educational programs, but there aren't really any that are adapted for these children. That's why this initiative is so important. It helps children adapt, socialize, and also attend school classes regularly.

I believe it's truly something valuable. I'm a parent myself, and I love children in general. So if I can spend a little time with them and inspire them in any way, that's already special for me.

Autistic children have different needs and developmental stages, and I think it's important not to isolate them, but to help them integrate and socialize with others.

It's beneficial not only for them but also for society in general, and not just here in Kazakhstan, but everywhere in the world," Khachanov stated to Tennis Channel.