Australian Open: Japan's No. 1 Nishikori grinds down Ferrer to reach quarters
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Kei Nishikori of Japan casts a shadow as he hits a return to David Ferrer of Spain during their men's singles fourth round match at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan 26, 2015. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
MELBOURNE (Reuters, AFP) - Kei Nishikori matched his career-best performance at Melbourne Park by grinding down David Ferrer 6-3 6-3 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday.
Spaniard Ferrer's modus operandi has been to drag opponents into endless rallies until they succumb via fatigue or a loss of focus, but Nishikori showed himself up for the scrap and won most of the longer exchanges.
Nishikori blew two match points but closed out the third when Ferrer netted a forehand to seal the win in two hours and six minutes. Japan's No. 1 will meet defending champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals.
