Despite an impressive run at the US Open, Nick Kyrgios’ dream of a grand slam victory came to an end on Wednesday, September 7 following a five-set quarterfinal loss to Karen Khachanov.
In an almost four-hour match, Khachanov secured a 7-5 4-6 7-5 6-7(3) 6-4 victory over Kyrgios, dashing the 27-year-old’s chances of becoming the first Australians to reach the semi-final since Lleyton Hewitt 17 years ago.
A disappointed Kyrgios reflected on the outcome in his post-match press conference, revealing the loss is “heartbreaking” not just for him but for but also for those supporting him.
“I’m obviously devastated,” Kyrgios said.
“But all credit to Karen. He’s a fighter. He’s a warrior. I thought he served really good today. Probably the best server I played this tournament, to be honest, the way he was hitting his spots under pressure.
“It’s just devastating. Like, it’s heartbreaking. Not just for me, but for everyone that I know that wants me to win.
“People don’t really care if you got better on the day, or you lost four in the fifth, or played one of the best matches of the tournament. You lost.
“That’s all people remember at a Grand Slam, whether you win or you lose.”
Kyrgios’ composed and contemplative demeanour in his post-match interview stood in stark contrast to his on-court meltdown following his loss to Khachanov. After congratulating his opponent, Kyrgios was spotted smashing two tennis racquets into the court in wild scenes that left the fans and the tennis community shocked.
Former Australia professional tennis player and current sports broadcaster Todd Woodbridge was among the first to call out Kyrgios for his pot-match tantrum.
“That’s not great, that’s not great at all,” Woodbridge said.
“I don’t know… what do you want to say about that.
“That was not very positive, what we just watched.”
Chief reporter for The Age Chip Le Grand tweeted, “This is a grown man, apparently”.
Controversial British media personality Piers Morgan labelled Kyrgios’ outburst as “pathetic”.
CNBC journalist Jude Sannith said Kyrgios’ “disgraceful” behaviour “has no place in any sport”.
While journalist and tennis commentator, Jose Morgado saw Kyrgios’ outburst as a sign that he truly cares about the sport and his performance.
Senior Editor of Racquet Magazine, Ben Rothenberg also seemingly sympathised with Kyrgios, claiming that “being the favorite to win a Slam is no small challenge”.
The reaction to Kyrgios’ outburst was not just confined to the stands of the tennis stadium with tennis fans sharing a mixed bag of feelings towards the 27-year-old’s on-court behaviour.