KEY POINTS

  • Nick Kyrgios lost to Karen Khachanov in 5 sets
  • Khachanov progressed to his career's maiden Grand Slam semi-final
  • He is set to face off against Norway's Casper Ruud

Nick Kyrgios is once again the center of attraction for controversial actions. Kyrgios smashed two rackets after he was eliminated from the US Open 2022 following a five-set defeat to Russia's Karen Khachanov on Tuesday.

After playing his first-ever Grand Slam final this year at Wimbledon, Kyrgios arrived at New York's Flushing Meadows high on morale to replicate the same form at the final Grand Slam of the year.

His motivation further strengthened when he beat the defending champion, Daniil Medvedev, in the fourth round. However, Kyrgios failed to put up the same level of tennis against Khachanov, who progressed to his maiden semi-final of a major event.

Having congratulated Khachanov, Kyrgios showed his frustration with the loss by destroying two rackets and then walking swiftly off the court.

The 27-year-old has already been fined a total of $18,500 for four separate offenses this tournament, including spitting, swearing, and smashing his racket, according to Yahoo Sports.

Kyrgios, who took a medical timeout after losing the opening set for treatment on his left knee, having complained to his box that he could not walk, later called Khachanov a "fighter and warrior."

"I'm obviously devastated. But all credit to Karen. He's a fighter. He's a warrior. I thought he served really good today. Honestly probably the best server I played in this tournament. The way he was hitting his spots under pressure," Kyrgios told reporters in a post-match conference.

The Australian tennis star went on to say that he felt he had failed himself at the US Open.

"He just played the big points well. Really wasn't anything in it. I'm just devastated obviously. Just feel like it was either winning it all or nothing at all. I feel like I've just failed at this event right now. That's what it feels like," the 28-year-old Kyrgios added.

Nick Kyrgios reacts during his victory over defending champion Daniil Medvedev at the US Open

Russia's Khachanov is scheduled to play against Norwegian Casper Ruud in US Open 2022's semi-final on Friday at the Arthur Ashe Arena.

Ruud, who is in the race to claim the World No. 1 ATP rank along with Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, earlier this year played in his maiden Grand Slam final. He made it to the Roland Garros final, where he was thumped in straight sets by Nadal, who clinched his 22nd major title.