Karen Khachanov has endured a gruelling past two weeks, and eventually, it was bound to take its toll.
After all, there are only a handful of players who went deep in the Canadian Open and also made the trip over to Cincinnati, and he went as far as he possibly could in Toronto without winning the title.
To put this into perspective, both Naomi Osaka and Victoria Mboko, the women’s finalists, withdrew from the Cincinnati Open before it had even begun.
Khachanov has now suffered from his own desire to keep playing.
Having been forced to retire whilst a set and 3-0 down to Alexander Zverev, the Russian has actually delivered a fitness update, revealing the extent of his issue with the US Open right around the corner.
Karen Khachanov explains why he retired against Alexander Zverev
If Khachanov were to have missed the final Grand Slam of the year in service of his desire to keep a busy schedule, he likely would not have forgiven himself.
After all, the likelihood of him enjoying any real success in Cincinnati was small, given how hard he had to fight just to get to the final in Toronto.
Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images
There, he was defeated by Ben Shelton despite being a set up, in crushing fashion.
However, he was magnanimous in his post-match speech, and garnered huge praise.
He has once again come across as humble and appreciative whilst taking to Instagram, writing the following injury update: “Hey guys. Just wanted to give you a quick update about yesterday match against Alexander Zverev. It’s first time ever in my career that I retire during the match and I feel not happy about it.
“I felt again pain in my back what was bothering me during this year already a couple of times and I was afraid to risk and push to continue especially before the US Open in 10 days. Sorry for the people who came last night to watch and support!
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
“Thanks @cincytennis it’s one of the best tournaments now on tour!!”
A precautionary measure and an honest message, which hopefully indicates he will be fit enough to compete in New York.
Karen Khachanov was one win away from revenge match vs Ben Shelton
It’s a shame that the 28-year-old was forced to retire, especially after the week he had just enjoyed in Canada.
There, he seemed capable of beating almost anyone, with Khachanov snapping an unwanted career-long streak on his way to the final.
However, the US Open must obviously take precedence, especially when these events in Toronto and Cincinnati are supplementary to that Grand Slam.
What’s most frustrating is that Khachanov was just one win away from facing Ben Shelton again, the man who prevented him from claiming the title at the Canadian Open.
All he needed to do to set up that clash was beat Zverev, a man he beat on his way to the final.
It’s a shame, but again, a necessary evil. Hopefully, he can return to New York brimming with confidence and fully fit, ready to upset the odds.