Tennis melts over Aus Open giant-killer Sebastian Korda’s ‘sad’ end

There was class all over Karen Khachanov’s quarterfinal win over Sebastian Korda at the Australian Open, despite a finish no one wanted to see.

Sebastian Korda’s Aus Open run has ended brutally. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP

There have been touching scenes on Rod Laver Arena after American 29th seed became the first player of the tournament to retire because of injury.

The decision saw Russian 18th seed Karen Khachanov head into his first Australian Open semi-final and second straight grand slam semi on the back of the 7-6 6-3 3-0 result.

In the second set of the match, the 22-year-old Korda had to take a medical time-out after suffering a wrist injury.

And with the match all but decided, the American couldn’t continue, conceding the match to the Russian in a sad end to a giant-killing performance.

Korda had knocked out 7th seed Daniil Medvedev and 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz to go deeper into a major than he ever had before.

Korda has an incredible sporting pedigree as the son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr Korda and former World No. 26 Regina Rajchrtova, the brother of former women’s golf world No. 1 Nelly and women’s golf No. 18 Jessica.

Unfortunately he couldn’t follow in his father’s footsteps, instead leaving the court in heartbreaking fashion.

This was the beginning of the end for Korda. Photo: Michael Klein

Korda waves goodbye to Aussie crowds. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP

Speaking after the match, Korda revealed he had the wrist injury niggle at the Adelaide International but it had seemingly been fine until the quarterfinal clash.

“I kind of felt that spot that I was feeling before,” Korda said after the match.

“Some forehands, I couldn’t even hold the racquet. Volleying was almost impossible for me. So it was a little tough.”

Fans were devastated for the dejected star.

Sad to see Sebastian Korda retire injured from his quarter-final against Karen Khachanov, sending the Russian through to the semi-finals after two-and-a-half sets.#AusOpen

— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) January 24, 2023

What a pity after such a promising start to the season

Sebastian Korda retires down 7-6 (5), 6-3, 3-0 to Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open

Korda was treated for a right wrist problem in the second set#gettypic.twitter.com/XS3eWKuB0G

— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) January 24, 2023

What a shame.

Korda’s #AusOpen did not deserve to end like this but he’s had to retire trialing 7-6, 6-3, 3-0 in the SFs with a wrist injury.

He’s brought so much to this tournament.

Tapped Agassi’s name on the way out 🥺

— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 24, 2023

Korda had a brilliant start to the year, winning eight of 10 matches, making a final and his first grand slam quarterfinal.

Although Korda took the first set to a tie-break, it quickly unravelled after the treatment he had on his wrist.

After it was wrapped, he was broken immediately and went off-court for treatment at the changeover.

He lost the first 10 points of the third set before pulling the plug.

All class from Korda and Khachanov. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP

A dejected Korda approached Khachanov and the pair shared a short embrace and a few words.

Khachanov had a muted celebration and was all class after Korda’s retirement.

“I think until a certain point it was very competitive, a very good battle,” Khachanov said.

“He beat my friend Daniil (Medvedev) in three sets and won in five sets against Hurkacz so you know he is playing great. So applause to him.

“I’m feeling good to be honest and really happy about the way I’m competing.

Khachanov’s will now face either Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or unseeded Czech Jiri Lehecka for a spot in Sunday’s final.

Victory equals the 26-year-old’s best performance at a major after his semi-final run during last September’s US Open, where he lost to Norway’s Casper Ruud.

The Olympic silver medallist, who has won four Tour-level titles, came into the match with far greater experience at this stage of a Grand Slam than Korda, having reached the last eight at all four majors.

With AFP