Khachanov becomes first Australian Open semi-finalist after Korda pulls out with injury

The Australian Open already knows its first semi-finalist. Karen Khachanov (20th in the ATP rankings) managed to qualify for the best four round of the first Grand Slam of the year after American Sebastian Korda (31st) had to withdraw with a wrist injury during the match . the 7-6(5), 6-3 and 3-0 .

The Russian started the game taking advantage of the second game, at which point he managed to break the American’s serve. The latter’s response did not come until the ninth Gamesdecreeing to the next draw 5-5.

The tie was maintained until the end and the first set had to be taken in a tiebreaker. In that case, Khachanov converted his third set point to take it 7-6 (5) .

In the second, Korda had to work hard to hold onto her serve. In the first and third games, he had to save break points before securing the serve. Of course, the situation did not give more in the seventh game and after confirmation, The Russian found himself with a 5-3 advantage which he ended up closing with another break to take the partial 6-3 .

In the third set, Korda’s wrist didn’t give way and he ended up forcing his retirement as the match was 3-0 in favor of Khachanov. .

“Without a doubt, it’s great to reach back-to-back Grand Slam semi-finals,” the winner began by pointing out in the on-pitch interview. “Obviously that’s not the way you want to end the game. VSI think to a certain extent it was very competitive, it was a very good battle. Sébastien plays tennis very well. But I’m happy with my level and the way I competed “, he added.

“I still believe in myself. Sometimes a good result just shows you what you’re capable of, and then you start to believe more and more. That self-confidence appeared much stronger after the last US Open. So hopefully keep it up and grow as a person and as an athlete,” he said later.

After the defeat, the American Sebastian Korda explained the reasons for his retirement. “I think it got worse during the game. I hit a return with my forehand and after that it was almost impossible to keep the racquet in my hand “, he exposed.

An evil that had dragged on since the Adelaide final in which he ended up falling with Novak Djokovic. “I had a few minor ailments in Adelaide a few weeks ago but they went away. During games he was in perfect condition. After a rest it started to bother me a lot.

Then he gave an update on the competition. “There are positive things. Many more positives than negatives. hToday was tough but hopefully nothing serious and I can take care of myself so I don’t have it in the future “, he expressed.

“It was still a great tournament, with my first Grand Slam quarter-final. I leave with my head held high and I will continue to work Corda closed.