Kei Nishikori makes a forehand return to David Ferrer during their fourth round match at the Australian Open Monday. AP
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.
The 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.