‘Like a dream coming true’: Kukushkin’s career ends at home against Tsitsipas

Mikhail Kukushkin’s career ended where he wanted it to, in front of a home crowd in Kazakhstan. Seed No. 7 Stefanos Tsitsipas beat him 6-1, 6-2 in the second round of the Almaty ATP 250 on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old wildcard, ranked No. 389, had extended his farewell on Monday with a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3) win over qualifier Stefanos Sakellaridis. Against Tsitsipas he had little left. The Greek was too powerful, quick and accurate, and won their fifth meeting in five. Kukushkin still saved three match points at 5-1 in the second set before he went out.

“It was really tough for me to play,” Kukushkin said. “I knew that Stefanos was such a great player. For me, he is a top five player, such a great champion. To share a court for my last match with Stefanos is such an honor for me. I was really exhausted after the first match. It was for sure not the best match for me, but anyway, I think it was a great tournament.”

Kukushkin: “Super special”

He said ending his career in Kazakhstan was what he had wanted.

“It’s super special. It’s like a dream coming true to finish at home with the home crowd,” he said. “For me, it was always about this kind of week, so special with this atmosphere, with this kind of support, with these emotions. To step on the court for the last time, it’s at home. It just feels incredible.”

Kukushkin turned pro in 2006. He won his only ATP Tour title in St. Petersburg in 2010, reached a career-high No. 39 in 2019 and played a record sixth edition of the Almaty Open this week.

Tsitsipas paid tribute after the match. “I honestly want to congratulate Misha on this incredible career he has had,” he said. “I don’t feel like there were a lot of things Misha did wrong today because my level was really high.”

Tsitsipas will face James Duckworth of Australia in the quarterfinals.