Nick Kyrgios admitted losing to Karen Khachanov at the US Open made him "feel like s***" as he seemingly blew a big chance to land a first Grand Slam title.
Having knocked out top seed and defending champion Daniil Medvedev, Kyrgios was installed as one of the favourites to win the tournament at Flushing Meadows. With Novak Djokovic already missing over his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19, the exit of Rafael Nadal further advanced the Australian's chances.
But his hopes came crashing down in the early hours of Tuesday morning as he was beaten 7-5 4-6 7-5 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 in a five-set thriller. The frustration of the Canberra man was evident, as he smashed two rackets having frequently ranted towards his box during the contest.
Afterwards Kyrgios, who arrived in New York off the back of reaching his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon this year, said: "I'm obviously devastated. But all credit to Karen. He's a fighter. He's a warrior. I thought he served really good today.
"He just played the big points well. There really wasn't anything in it. I just feel like it was either winning it all or nothing at all, to be honest. I feel like I've just failed at this event right now."
And the 27-year-old also implied he would now struggle or motivation until his next chance to compete in a major tournament comes around in January: "I honestly feel like s**t, I feel like I've let so many people down," he continued.
"I feel like these four tournaments are the only ones that ever are going to matter. It's just like you've got to start it all again. I have to wait until the Australian Open. It's just devastating, it's heart-breaking. Not just for me, but for everyone that I know that wants me to win."
Indeed, Kyrgios enjoying the backing of the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, and seemed to have the momentum when he turned the tide in the fourth set before upping the ante to win the tie-break. However, Khachanov struck back by breaking in the first game of the decider, and kept his composure thereafter.
As it stands, Kyrgios is scheduled to return to action at the Japan Open in Tokyo on October 3. However, the tournament clashes with his adjourned court date back home in Australia, having been charged with common assault following an alleged incident with ex-partner Chiara Passari.
