After 2,24 h Kei Nishikori could finally take a gasp of relief, he came out on top in an even duel against Fernando Verdasco 6:7(7), 6:3. 6:4. But the Spaniard was a difficult opponant over quite a while in the match. In the Round of 16 Nishikori will now meet Karen Kahachnov or Gilles Simon.
Especially in the first set the Spaniard was much closer to a break and convinced by serving strongly and dangerously. He pushed the world's No. 9 into a tiebreck and then won the set in with his third match point.
Nishikori had the first break after an hour and six minutes in the second set at 3:1. But he lost his own service straight away after that, then managing another break to make it 4:2, though. Verdasco tried time and time again to cause his opponant trouble by changing speed and risky shots. The audience were delighted by the often long-lasting and exciting rallys at the GERRY WEBER STADION. But the Japanese No. 3 seed, with one break more, was able to balance by sets.
The Japanese tennis star got the perhaps crucial break in the third set bringing it to 4:3. After that Verdasco needed time-out for treatment due to back problems. He in fact did play on, but concequently didn't find his way back into the match. Nishikori converted his first of two match points and won the third set 6:4.
"It' s never easy against Fernando, it was difficult. I am glad to have won the second set", Nishikori said after the match.
