Nishikori through to Australian Open quarterfinals
MELBOURNE, Australia — U.S. Open finalist Kei Nishikori advanced to the Australian Open quarterfinals on Monday with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 9-seeded David Ferrer of Spain.
Hundreds of Japanese fans, many waving flags and some in traditional costumes, cheered Nishikori on from the stands at Rod Laver Arena.
Article continues after this advertisementThe fifth-seeded Nishikori, a quarterfinalist here in 2012, will play defending champion Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals.
Nishikori held a 6-3 edge in career meetings against Ferrer coming into the match, but it was 1-1 at Grand Slam tournaments.
As an 18-year-old Nishikori beat Ferrer in the third round of the 2008 U.S. Open — his second career major. Ferrer beat Nishikori at the Australian Open two years ago in the fourth round.