Defending champion Kei Nishikori books Japan Open semi-final place

09 October 2015 10:01

Reigning champion Kei Nishikori came from a set down to beat Marin Cilic at the Rakuten Japan Open on Friday and set up a semi-final meeting with Frenchman Benoit Paire.

In a match that lasted two hours and 11 minutes, home favourite and second seed Nishikori - winner of this tournament both last year and in 2012 - bounced back against Croatia's sixth seed Cilic to triumph 3-6 7-5 6-3.

His next opponent Paire also came from behind to progress, defeating Australia's Nick Kyrgios 3-6 6-4 6-1.

The other last-four meeting will be between top seed Stan Wawrinka and Gilles Muller.

Wawrinka eased past American qualifier Austin Krajicek, the Swiss running out a 6-3 6-4 winner.

Meanwhile, Luxembourg's Muller sprung a surprise as he saw off French third seed Gilles Simon, ranked 33 places above him at world number 10, 6-3 6-4.

Source: PA