Nick Kyrgios could not fully develop his victory over the reigning champion Daniil Medvedev in US Open and lost in the quarterfinals Karen Khachanov 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-4 in the bustling Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match began on Tuesday evening and ended around 1:00 Wednesday. Early in the match, two spectators were ejected after one cut the other’s hair in the stands.
The craziest moments of Kyrgios
By the end, belated spectators were loudly pulling after Kyrgios. At one point in the fourth set, tower umpire James Keothavong pleaded:Once again, ladies and gentlemen: respect both players..”
Karen Khachanov’s dream came true
Khachanov with the 27th number came out on top Grand Slam semi-finals his career. He was 0-2 in the main quarter-finals before against No. 23 Kyrgios.
“I did it! I did it guys! Thank you. Now you give me some love. I appreciate it,” Khachanov said to the spectators who remained before the finish line. “It was a crazy match. I expected it to be like this. I’m ready to run, fight… I think this is the only way to beat Nick.”
Khachanov will play with number five Casper Ruud on Friday for a place in the championship match.
This quarter-final has been quality tennis for more than 3 1/2 hours.
Unforced errors played a decisive role
Both Kyrgios and Khachanov have a powerful serve, and in total they scored 61 aces (31 for Kyrgios). They teamed up for 138 winners (75 according to Kyrgios).
Two stats that really made the difference: Kyrgios made 58 unforced errors, Khachanov 31. And Khachanov saved 7 of the 9 break points he faced.
Kyrgios finished second at Wimbledon in July and became a popular contender for his first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows after completing the #1 Medvedev title defense in the fourth round.
Khachanov’s revenge for not being able to play at Wimbledon
Khachanov was not allowed to play Wimbledon this year after the All England Club banned all players from his country, Russia and Belarus due to invasion of Ukraine.
Against Kyrgios, he made key service breaks in the last game of the tournament. first and third sets. After the first match, Kyrgios complained of pain in his knee and was visited by the coach.
Upon resuming play, he did not seem to show any ill effects and broke down early in the second.
Kyrgios had a chance to break at 4-all in the third but failed to convert, failing a right hand and then swinging his racquet. Two games later, he hit the backhand into the net to drop that set, then sat on the bench seat, threw away his racket and threw a drink after receiving a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct from Kethavong.
Khachanov was two points away from victory and 6-5 ahead as Kyrgios served in the fourth set. Kyrgios held on and dominated the ensuing tiebreak, finishing in fifth place.
Khachanov then made a break to start the last set and soon took a 3-1 lead.