At the U.S. Open, Karen Khachanov defeated Nick Kyrgios 4-6 7-5 6-7 6-4 to advance to a Grand Slam tournament’s semifinals for the first time.
The 27th-seeded Russian Khachanov defeated the Australian, who had previously eliminated world no. 1 Daniil Medvedev, with an unreturnable serve on match point.
When it mattered most in the tense match, Khachanov excelled, saving seven of the nine break points he encountered, frequently with his thunderous serve.
After winning his second consecutive five-set match, he described it as “crazy match, just like I was expecting it to be” in an on-court interview.
“I’m prepared to run, battle, and play five sets. I believe that was the only way to defeat Nick during the nearly four hours of additional play.”
Kyrgios, who is renowned for both his scorching serve and his explosive anger, started the match with shockingly little intensity and lost the set to Khachanov’s flawless lob.
Prior to the start of the second set, Kyrgios underwent treatment for his left knee, increasing the possibility that he could end the match since he claimed he “could not walk.” Kyrgios has the most victories on the Tour since June.
But he persisted, breaking early in the second set, which he won with a crosscourt backhand winner.
As he became more emotional, he shouted encouragement at the players’ box and brought the audience to its feet with some incredible shotmaking.
After Kyrgios won the tiebreaker, Khachanov won the fourth set after the pair traded breaks early on.
When Khachanov broke to start the final on a Kyrgios backhand mistake and maintained to hold service to the end, the momentum changed decisively in his favour.
Khachanov said, “I tried to remain concentrated throughout the game.
“In the fourth set, I had a few chances, but he played a fantastic tiebreak, so what can I do? I can concentrate and attempt to win the next set “said Khachanov.
I’m incredibly pleased of myself since I was totally concentrated from the start to the finish and I won.
Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios said he was “devastated” by the defeat and broke rackets in anger after the match.
He told reporters, “I feel like I let so many people down.”
“I feel like I have to start anew since these four tournaments are the only ones that count.”
For a spot in the championship game, Khachanov will next compete against Casper Ruud of Norway.