Khachanov Keeps ‘Head High’ After Second Slam SF Run

Karen Khachanov backed up his semi-final showing at the 2022 US Open by matching his best Grand Slam result in Melbourne. After a 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3 defeat to Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday in the Australian Open final four, the 18th seed spoke of “mixed feelings” after falling short of his first major final.

“Obviously I’m super happy, super proud of the [recent] results… second consecutive semi-final,” he said in his post-match press conference. “I fought hard. I was losing actually in the third set. He was serving for the match. He had two match points. I never give up.

“I think it was very close, a very good-level match. He took over in some important moments, some important points. He got the win, so simple as that.”

The 26-year-old moved up seven places to No. 13 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings this fortnight, closing in on his career high of World No. 8 from 2019. After taking some time to recover, he is keen to build on the lessons and experience he gained from his latest deep run.

“I definitely go with my head high,” he said. “[I will] rest a couple of days, think with my team for [my upcoming] schedule… have a team meeting to discuss those particular situations and moments on what we need to work.

“Hopefully I keep believing that I can pass this step next time, if I am in this situation, hopefully. That’s it.”

While Tsitsipas calls the Australian Open his ‘Home Slam’, Khachanov also enjoyed plenty of crowd support in Rod Laver Arena.

“Grateful for them to cheer, to support,” he said. “Just really happy to see everybody on that court to give me love all the way until the end.”