By Issy Ronald, CNNUpdated 1023 GMT (1823 HKT) September 7, 2022 Nick Kyrgios smashes his racket after being defeated by Karen Khachanov in the US Open quarterfinals.(CNN)This US Open seemed like a golden opportunity for Nick Kyrgios to win his first-ever grand slam.
He defeated the defending champion Daniil Medvedev in impressive fashion in the fourth round, Frances Tiafoe had knocked out Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic was unable to compete, leaving the men's draw wide open.And, as he crashed out in a five-set epic to Russia's Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals, Kyrgios' frustration at such an opportunity slipping away simmered over: he smashed two rackets on the floor, buckling their frames beyond use.
Khachanov, meanwhile, stood on the opposite side of the net with his arms aloft, celebrating his 7-5 4-6 7-5 6-7(3) 6-4 victory.«I honestly feel like sh*t,» Kyrgios told reporters. «I feel like I've let so many people down.
These four tournaments [the grand slams] are the only ones that ever are going to matter. It's just like you've got to start it all again.