"I didn't look at him after we shook hands" - Khachanov on Kyrgios smashing rackets after loss
ATP
Karen Khachanov was asked about Nick Kyrgios' meltdown after their match at the 2022 US Open, but he admitted that he didn't see it.
Kyrgios showed how much the 2022 US Open quarter-final meant to him. He played against Khachanov, who proved to be better in their match at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It took the Russian player three hours and 39 minutes, but he ultimately won the match 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(3) 6-4 to reach the semi-finals of the New York Slam.
Kyrgios, on the other hand, was very disappointed. After reaching the Wimbledon final earlier this year, he believed he could win the title at the US Open, but his journey ended already in the quarter-finals.
He shook hands with Khachanov and the chair umpire after the match, but he then proceeded to smash two of his rackets near his chair, showing his frustration.
During his post-match press conference, Khachanov was asked about Kyrgios' post-match antics. As a competitor, the Russian player could understand how devastating the loss was for the 27-year-old Australian.
"I mean, it's painful. I think it hurts for him, or it would be the same for me if I lost that match. It's never easy to lose five sets because you give your best, you give your self best throughout the whole match, then it's never easy to accept the defeat."
At the same time, Khachanov admitted that after shaking hands with his opponent, he didn't really look at him. The Russian player enjoyed his moment after reaching the semi-final, but once the rackets started flying, he took notice. By then, however, Kyrgios' meltdown was already over.
"To be honest, I didn't look at him after we shook hands. I saw after the rackets were flying. But I feel the pain for him, yeah."
