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Sebastian Korda retired to send Khachanov through to the Australian Open semis.
Olympic silver medallist Karen Khachanov advanced to his second consecutive Grand Slam semifinals over Sebastian Korda 7-6(5) 6-3 3-0 in a match that saw Korda retire in the mid-third set due to a wrist injury.
The players played on the outside courts, but the roof was closed due to heavy rain fall. Interestingly, both are great indoor players, so it wasn't a problem.
In the first set, they played beautifully well; significant mention of Korda's slice backhand that has improved so well. There was a tiebreak, with four minibreaks to start the tiebreak. A set point, and Khachanov won the set 7-6(5).
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The highlight of the second set was a big hold and Korda calling his trainer for his right wrist. After play resumed, he got broken from 40-0 with five consecutive errors, and this time Khachanov leading 4-3.
He saved two break points and held for 5-3, then sealed it for 6-3 win.
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With a set away from reaching back to back semifinals and Korda feeling his right wrist, Khachanov knew it was his for the taking, playing exceptionally to lead 3-0 before the young American retired from the match - the first singles retirement of the tournament after 242 matches.
Khachanov's win means he's back into the top 15, and one more win will see him in the top 10 and rise to Russia's No. 2.
For Korda, a sad end to an incredibly rare Grand Slam streak, which saw him reach his first quarterfinal. Also, a great start to the season for the super talented player, with eight wins in ten matches, a final, and first Grand Slam final.
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