Russian player Karen Khachanov qualifies for the Australian Open 2023 semifinal, taking advantage of the withdrawal of US’s Sebastian Korda, caused by a wrist injury. The final score saw the Russian tennis player prevail 7-6 (5) 6-3 3-0.
Korda showed great tennis throughout the tournament, he had displayed great tennis throughout the entire tournament, as certified by his success against the 2022 finalist, Daniil Medvedev.
In the first set, Khachanov got a break in the second game. Korda makes a few too many mistakes with his forehand, but the US manages to get a vreak on his rival in the ninth game. The first set ends in the tie-break, with Khachanov more lucid, closing 7-5.
In the second set Korda suffers on serve, having to cancel a break point in the first game and two in the third game. Khachanov risks losing the lead gained in the eighth game, but he saves himself and in the following game he scores for the final 6-3. In the third set Korda, on the score of 3-0 in favor of the Russian, decides to retire in order not to aggravate his wrist injury.
Here is the moment of withdrawal of the US player:
Sebastian Korda has been forced to retire due to injury.@karenkhachanov advances 7-6(5) 6-3 3-0 ret.#AusOpen ā¢ #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/AbiEHT4iKh
ā #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2023
Korda’s path at the Australian Open 2023
Korda achieved his first career victory against a top ten player in a Grand Slam tournament and deservedly earned access to the round of 16 of the Australian Open. The American confirmed that he is one of the best talents on the Tour and defeated Daniil Medvedev in three sets, who had reached the final in Melbourne in the last two years.
Korda was good at not letting himself be conditioned by the advantage lost in the first and third sets and in relying on the explosiveness of his shots in the two tie-breaks that shifted the balance. The Bradenton native, considering the tennis players playing at the top of the scoreboard, will have a great chance to push himself at least up to the semifinals.
In the fourth round he also beat Hubert Hurkacz, qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Slam Down Under. In the quarter, he was forced to witdraw due to a wrist injury. Anyway, the US tennis star player a great tornament: a good business card for the season just sturted.