Nick Kyrgios beats Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4

Nick Kyrgios ‘devastated’ after quarterfinal defeat to Karen Khachanov as he destroys two rackets on court

By David Carnoy, Courier Sports Editor

Posted: 02/11/2014 06:34:49 PM MST

Updated: 02/11/2014 09:20:29 PM MST

Karen Khachanov of Russia was upset by a set-winning forehand by Nick Kyrgios in men’s singles at the Australian Open on Monday. Photo by: Getty Images

Australian Open – Nick Kyrgios of Australia’s national team was crushed by compatriot Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 Tuesday in the first round of the Australian Open quarterfinals.

Kyrgios, who is ranked No. 6, defeated the defending champion 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and will next play German player Alexander Zverev, who was upset by No. 4 seed Tommy Haas in the third round on Tuesday.

“I think it’s a pretty good upset,” said Kyrgios, who only won his first round matches on his last three starts. “It was a good game, just a lot of pressure on both ends.”

The 23-year-old Canadian, who has won five of his past eight matches, was visibly upset after the match, especially because he had beaten the defending champion 7-6 (4), 6-4, 6-2.

“I’m devastated. I just felt like I had that match under control,” Kyrgios said. “I’m really disappointed. It’s one I didn’t want to come to. I really had it under control. I just had my heart set on beating her, but it’s my foot that did the damage here.”

Kyrgios, seeded 25, will play Zverev, who turned it around in the third round with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 win over Haas, ranked No. 1.

Kyrgios, seeded 26, said he wasn’t ready for the kind of pressure from the winner in the second round.

“There’s a lot more pressure on me,” he said. “I knew she would

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