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Khachanov ends ailing Korda's run to reach Australian Open semi-final

Reuters
Khachanov ends ailing Korda's run to reach Australian Open semi-final
Khachanov ends ailing Korda's run to reach Australian Open semi-finalReuters
Karen Khachanov (26) reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the first time on Tuesday after ailing American Sebastian Korda (22) retired while trailing 7-6(5) 6-3 3-0.

The 18th seed raced out to a 4-1 lead before Korda calmed his nerves to force a tiebreak but the Russian hit back to win the first set with a backhand scorcher.

Korda, whose father Petr had triumphed at Melbourne Park in 1998, struggled on his forehand and had his right wrist strapped midway through a tight second set before Khachanov broke to go up 4-3 and the 26-year-old held firm to double his advantage.

With his injury affecting his rhythm and the match slipping away, 29th seed Korda dropped serve early in the third before throwing in the towel.

"Obviously not the way you want to finish a match," said the 18th seed, who will meet either third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or unheralded Czech Jiri Lehecka for a place in the final.

"I think until a certain point, it was very competitive, very good battle.

"Sebastian beat one of my friends Daniil Medvedev in three sets and in Hubert Hurkacz in five sets I guess, he was playing great tennis.

"I'm feeling really good, to be honest, really happy with my level and how I compete and I'm looking forward to the semi-finals here in Australia the first time."

Khachanov will meet Stefanos Tsitsipas or Jiri Lehecka in the last four.