Nishikori, Osaka give Japan historic tennis day at US Open
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NEW YORK (AP) — Kei Nishikori looked around Arthur Ashe Stadium and noticed the crowd.
With Nishikori playing immediately after Naomi Osaka on Wednesday, the U.S. Open became must-see viewing for Japanese tennis fans.
"It's good to have, you know, home support outside of Japan," he said. "Yeah, it's great news we're both in the semis."
Historic news, actually.
Both players won — Osaka decisively, Nishikori narrowly — to give Japan a men's and women's semifinalist at the same Grand Slam tournament for the first time, according to the ATP Tour.
Nishikori rallied to beat Marin Cilic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted 4 hours, 8 minutes.