Japan's No 1 Kei Nishikori reaches New York Open semi-final
Fifth seed, on his way back from five-month injury layoff, recovers from dropping opening set to beat Radu Albot 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in Long Island.
February 17, 2018
Kei Nishikori edged closer to a first ATP Tour in two years at the New York Open on Friday after coming from behind to defeat Moldova's Radu Albot and claim a semi-final berth.
The Japanese fifth seed, who is on his way back from a five-month injury layoff, recovered from dropping the opening set to defeat Albot 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in Long Island.
Nishikori dropped out of the top 20 last year for the first time since 2014 following a wrist injury. He launched his comeback this year on the ATP's Challenger circuit before returning for his first full tour event in New York.
The 28-year-old -- who won this tournament four years in a row before it moved to New York from Memphis -- will now play top seed Kevin Anderson of South Africa in the last four.
My strong flexible coaching team 🤔🤣 pic.twitter.com/D7TKSOfGgf
— Kei Nishikori (@keinishikori) February 15, 2018
Anderson progressed after downing American Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.
In the other side of the draw, second seed Sam Querrey delighted the home fans after bundling out big-serving Croatian veteran Ivo Karlovic in straight sets, winning 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4).
Querrey, who has climbed to a career-high 12th in the world rankings, edged Karlovic thanks to a flawless service game, losing just six points on serve.
"I couldn't have served much better," Querrey said. "I don't even know if we went to deuce, and I had good rhythm on my serve, and that's what freed me up a little bit in the tie-breaks."
Querrey will now face France's Adrian Mannarino in the semi-finals on Saturday. Mannarino advanced to the last four after defeating Spain's Adrian Menendez-Maceiras 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.
______________
Read more
Andre Agassi pays tribute to Roger Federer on becoming world's oldest No 1
ATP to probe 'racial prejudice' allegations at New York Open tennis event
Halep leads seven of top 10 confirmed for Dubai tennis championships
______________
Published: February 17, 2018 10:23 AM
