Spaniard David Ferrer fell to Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the third round of the US Open on Saturday.
The unseeded Nishikori battled through a tough five-set match to post a 6-4 6-4 3-6 2-6 7-5 victory.
Fourth seed Ferrer made the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows last year, and he looked to be on course for at least a place in the fourth round when battling back from two sets down to level at 2-2.
However, Nishikori refused to give in slogging out the final set 7-5.
A delighted Nishikori said afterwards: “Right now I’m very happy. Yeah, that’s the only word I can say now. And, you know, I couldn’t give up the fifth set.
“He start playing great in the third and fourth set. I was tired and my legs was almost cramping, but I tried to think, I am playing David; he’s No. 4 in the world, and playing five set with him. I felt like kind of happy and think more positive.”
Ferrer was gracious in defeat. He said: “He’s a very good player. A young player, plays very well and serves really well.”
Nishikori will play 17th seed Juan Martin Del Potro in the fourth round after the Argentine beat 16th seed Gilles Simon of France 6-4 6-7 (4/7) 6-1 3-6 6-3.
By Sportinglife
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