Nick Kyrgios ‘devastated’ after quarterfinal defeat to Karen Khachanov as he destroys two rackets on court
Kyrgios, 27, had a career-high 36 aces, 17 unforced errors, and 17 aces to help Australia to a 6-2, 4-0 victory and progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The victory sends Australia through to the final, where they have already advanced past the semi-finals of the Davis Cup, as they will meet World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in Melbourne on Saturday.
Kyrgios said he could not be more disappointed with his performance in the fourth singles match after a solid performance in the first three rubbers.
“It was frustrating to not have enough opportunities to make it up, especially in the tie-break, where I came away with a win as well,” Kyrgios said. “It’s disappointing.
“I could have made the quarters.”
Asked about his decision to throw a second racket as he was about to hit a winner against Khachanov, Kyrgios said: “I felt like a kid in a candy shop!
“I think I’m on to something with that second racket. I wasn’t even sure it was going to come out because I thought I had hit the inside of the line, but it’s a good shot, you don’t want to throw it out on the table, so I’ve got to work on it. I’ve got some really good shots that are ready to go that I’ll be playing over the summer.”
Kyrgios won three consecutive rubbers against Novak Djokovic’s brother, and said he was not surprised, but said he would not take anything for granted.
“I can’t say I’m really surprised, because I’ve played him several times, I’ve seen him play countless times. There is always something to learn,” he said. “I’m not concerned about playing Novak.
