Nick Kyrgios' dreams of a first Grand Slam title is over following a five-set quarter-final defeat by Russia's Karen Khachanov at the US Open.
After reaching the Wimbledon final this summer, Kyrgios arrived in New York motivated to try to go one better but he was unable to match the levels he showed in beating defending champion Daniil Medvedev in the fourth round. Instead, it is Russian Khachanov who progresses to a first slam semi-final after prevailing 7-5 4-6 7-5 6-7 (3) 6-4 victory just before 1am.
Having initially been dignified in congratulating Khachanov, Kyrgios then inevitably showed his frustration by smashing two rackets and then storming off court. The pair had previously become embroiled in a Twitter spat in 2020 over the coronavirus pandemic, with Kyrgios labelling his rival an "absolute pelican."
