Nick Kyrgios (ATP 25) will not go after his dream in New York. The Wimbledon finalist suffered the law of a solid Karen Khachanov (31), who qualified for his 1st semi-final of a Major at the US Open. The Russian outscored the Australian 7-5 4-6 7-5 6-7 (3/7) 6-4 and will face Casper Ruud (7).
Propelled favorite of the tournament after his brilliant victory obtained 2 days earlier against defending champion Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios did not withstand the shock in New York. Karen Khachanov, for his 3rd quarter of a Major, after Roland-Garros in 2019 and Wimbledon last year, was remarkably consistent, without refusing the showdown initiated by Kyrgios.
The Australian, who was not really having a good night, certainly had more winning shots (75 against 63), but he also made almost twice as many unforced errors (58 against 31). Above all, the Russian was very realistic by converting 4 of the 8 break points he created, when the Australian only succeeded 2 times out of 9.
Kyrgios soon showed the apparent signs of a bad night, however, complaining of pain in his upper left calf flirting with the outer ligament area of his knee. The intervention of the physiotherapist allowed him to last the whole match, but his mobility obviously suffered.
afp/pza