By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
World No. 31 male tennis player Karen Khachanov dealt tournament favorite Nick Kyrgios a painful five-set loss during their 2022 US Open quarterfinal clash – 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7, 6-4.
Fresh off dethroning reigning US Open champion and world no. 1 ranked Daniil Medvedev in just four sets to punch a quarterfinal ticket, Kyrgios turned heads and immediately became the tournament favorite to win the title after the legendary Rafael Nadal lost at the hands of Frances Tiafoe during the Round of 16.
However, the rising tennis star from Russia had other plans and was quick to frustrate Kyrgios with his varied offensive approach to earn points.
Khachanov earned the cheers of the crowd after grabbing the first set and was edging the Australian power hitter during the long baseline rallies.
Every time Kyrgios set up his forehand bomb, Khachanov was quick to counter and pulled off several off-the-bounce volley defense strokes that helped him reset the possession back in the baseline.
Kyrgios came alive midway in the second set after scoring three straight service aces that sparked a much-needed offensive run to equalize the match.
The next two sets then became a dogfight as both players split sets three and four which paved the way for a deciding fifth set.
During the final set, it was Khachanov who took the early momentum after scoring an early service break that put the pressure on Kyrgios’ hands to catch up.
Khachanov stayed composed and held his service possession that brought him into a commanding 3-1 lead but Kyrgios fought back and held all of his service aces.
The Australian sensation was close to tying the set at five-all after forcing a deuce but Khachanov’s clutch consistent baseline hits helped him survive Kyrgios’ onslaught.
Khachanov’s huge win steered him into a US Open semifinal appearance and will face world no. 5 ranked Casper Ruud on Saturday.
