‘Devastated’ Nick Kyrgios exits US Open after thriller against Karen Khachanov

• Russian wins 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-4 at Flushing Meadows
• Norway's Casper Ruud awaits Khachanov in semi-final

It is the overcooked forehand in a thriller that might have cost Nick Kyrgios a grand slam title. As gallant as the Australian was when edged 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4 by Karen Khachanov at the US Open, one wonders whether such a golden chance will ever come again. The frustration he showed on exiting the court suggested he realised as much. Smashed rackets. And more. It is a shame, because although beaten, he put up a strong fight.

Kyrgios was shattered by the loss, saying he felt mentally distraught". There really wasn't anything in it," he said. I'm just devastated, obviously. 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. That's what it feels like."