By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Flushing Meadows, NY—Nick Kyrgios helped crack open the US Open men’s singles draw with his thrilling upset of Daniil Medvedev in the round of 16.
Two days later, however, he became the latest victim to fall.
The 23rd-seeded Aussie, considered a favorite by many after Rafael Nadal was knocked out by Frances Tiafoe on Day 8 in New York, was bounced out of the tournament by Russia’s Karen Khachanov, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4, on Tuesday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The loss ends an impressive summer for Kyrgios, who came of age this season by reaching the Wimbledon final and leading the ATP Tour in wins since the start of the grass courts season. Here in New York, his third win over a reigning World No.1 sparked title hopes, but they faced in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, thanks to a gritty effort from Khachanov in a five-set battle that was a wild ride from start to finish.
After the loss, Kyrgios was left out of sorts.
“I’m just devastated obviously,” he said. “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 is likely done with his season, and when the disappointment fades he can look back with pride on what was his best year at the Grand Slams. He went 35-10 overall, and reinvented himself by dedicating himself to life on the tour like never before.
The dedication raised his expectations, and that explains the bitter disappointment he is feeling.
He found the defeat a bitter pill to swallow. And his frustration is an indication of just how deeply invested in his tennis in 2022.
“I honestly feel like shit,” he said. “I feel like I’ve let so many people down. I just don’t know. I feel like I’m playing Tokyo and stuff.
“It’s just like you got to start it all again. I have to wait until the Australian Open. It’s just devastating. Like, it’s heartbreaking. Not just for me, but for everyone that I know that wants me to win.”
Photo credit: Elsa/Getty
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