Take discover: Former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori is taking part in at a excessive degree in his first ATP Tour match in 21 months.
The 33-year-old defeated Chinese language teen Shang Juncheng 6-4, 7-6(3) on Thursday to achieve the quarter-finals of the Atlanta Open. The Japanese star Nishikori displayed classic all-court protection and absorbed the 18-year-old’s firepower to advance. At 5/3 within the second-set tie-break, Nishikori gained an thrilling 21-shot rally to arrange match level earlier than sealing a spot within the final eight with an ace.
“It was a tricky battle, however I used to be very excited on the courtroom,” Nishikori stated in his on-court interview. “I felt fairly good, particularly taking part in below [the lights]. I felt excellent on the courtroom as we speak.”
Nishikori will subsequent look to increase his 3-0 Lexus ATPHead2Head sequence report towards prime seed Taylor Fritz.
The 12-time tour-level titlist Nishikori is competing in his first tour-level match because the BNP Paribas Open in October 2021. Nishikori underwent arthroscopic left hip surgical procedure in 2022 and returned to the ATP Challenger Tour final month, instantly profitable a title in Puerto Rico. Friday shall be his first tour-level quarter-final since August 2021, when he made it to the final 4 of the ATP 500 occasion in Washington, D.C.
“It is at all times powerful getting back from damage, I used to be out for nearly two years,” Nishikori stated. “I simply got here again, performed the final couple tournaments and coming into right here, I am feeling fairly good. Fortunately I gained two rounds right here and glad to play one other one tomorrow.”
Shang, who used a medical timeout at 2-3 within the second set to deal with a proper foot downside, earned his second tour-level victory this week when he upset fourth seed Ben Shelton within the opening spherical. The Beijing-native is 18th within the Pepperstone ATP Stay Subsequent Gen Race.
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