US Open: Khachanov charges into his first Grand Slam semi-final

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian tennis player of Armenian descent Karen Khachanov edged Nick Kyrgios in a big-serving battle in the early hours of Wednesday, September 7 morning to charge into the first Grand Slam semi-final of his career at the US Open. ATP Tour reports.

In a match devoid of atmosphere in the first half and overflowing with electricity in the second half, the 27th seed withstood 31 aces and vocal crowd support for his opponent en route to a 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 6-7(3) 6-4 win in three hours, 39 minutes after earlier coming within two points of victory in the fourth set.

Khachanov, who fired 30 aces himself, advances to play Norway’s Casper Ruud, who has the opportunity to finish the tournament at No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

"I did it! I did it!," Khachanov said. "I'm really proud of myself, I was focussed from the beginning to the end. "It was a crazy match but I came ready to fight and to play five sets."

Khachanov has surged 13 places during the tournament to No. 18 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings. Depending on other results, he could crack the Top 10 if he wins the tournament.