WATCH: Nick Kyrgios ‘distraught and devastated’ by shock US Open exit
Nick Kyrgios is at a real low after his defeat to Karen Khachanov in the US Open quarter-finals as he feels he has missed a massive opportunity to win a first Major title.ย ย
After the Wimbledon finalist performed superbly to defeat defending champion and world number one Daniil Medvedev in the fourth round, many, including four-time US Open champion John McEnroe, tipped him to go onto lift the trophy.
But that dream was ended as world number 31 Khachanov pipped Kyrgios 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 to reach his first ever Major semi-final. Immensely frustrated, the Australian proceeded to destroy two of his rackets before leaving Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I’m obviously devastated,” Kyrgios said in his post-match press conference. “But all credit to Karen. He’s a fighter. He’s a warrior. I thought he served really good today. Honestly probably the best server I played this tournament, to be honest, the way he was hitting his spots under pressure.
“Really wasn’t anything in it. I’m just devastated obviously. Just feel like it was either winning it all or nothing at all, to be honest. I feel like I’ve just failed at this event right now. That’s what it feels like.”
Kyrgios really really frustrated by his defeat…
(๐ฅ @thirdandfivepod) pic.twitter.com/rYsq86okia
โ We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) September 7, 2022
With a win-loss record of 35-9 in 2022, Kyrgios has played more tennis this season than in any year since 2017, and looked to be exhausted coming into the US Open.
But the world number 25 did not use that as an excuse after the loss, explaining he was physically ready taking on Khachanov.
“I felt great physically. At the end of the match, honestly I felt fine. Just mentally distraught,” he said. “I honestly feel like sh*t. I feel like I’ve let so many people down.”
Kyrgios will break back into the ATP top 20 come the rankings update on Monday, the first time he has been among that group since August 2018.
Meanwhile, Khachanov takes on French Open finalist Casper Ruud next for a place in the US Open final.
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