NEW YORK – Nick Kyrgios said all that matters at a Grand Slam is winning and he was “devastated” by losing five sets to Karen Khachanov in Tuesday’s US Open quarterfinals.
The belligerent Australian fought evenly with Khachanov but was unable to fully counter Khachanov’s tough serve, scoring 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), We lost 6-4. Ends bidding for first Grand Slam title.
“Obviously devastated,” Kyrgios told reporters.
Kyrgios said Khachanov, who saved seven of the nine break points he faced, was the better player in the biggest moment as the 27th seed qualified for the Grand Slam semifinals for the first time.
“But it’s all credit to Karen. He’s a fighter. He’s a warrior,” he said.
Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios had beaten world number one Daniil Medvedev in the previous round, but the 27-year-old said lifting the trophy was all that mattered.
“Whether we win or lose, everyone remembers the Grand Slam.
Kyrgios is set to play in Tokyo in early October, but he admitted he’s finding it difficult to rouse enthusiasm to return to the tour’s grind.
“I think almost every tournament in the year is a real waste of time. You should just run and get a Grand Slam. That’s what you remember.”
He said he will have to wait until the Australian Open, which kicks off the 2022 Grand Slam season.
“It’s like you had to do it all over again…it’s just devastating,” he said.
“It’s heartbreaking. Not just for me, but for everyone I know who wants me to win.”
By Tuesday, Kyrgios had won more wins (26) than any other player since the grass-court season began back in June.
He defeated four-time champion Rafael Nadal in the fourth round and was seen as one of the title contenders in New York, as he was without three-time winner Novak Djokovic, who beat him in the Wimbledon final. was done. -Reuters, AFP
