Japanese Kei Nishikori is the first quarterfinalist at this year’s Erste Bank Open 500. The tournament’s no. 5 beat Russia’s Karen Khachanov (ATP-19) surprisingly quick 6-2, 6-2. Khachanov had ousted local hero Dennis Novak in two sets on Wednesday. Nishikori will face Dominic Thiem (AUT/1), who beat Sam Querrey (USA) 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.
Nishikori is sure that the next round will be a lot tougher. The Japanese showed great respect for Thiem at the pressconference following his match: “He’s got it all: good service, great forehand and, personally, I love his backhand.”
Verdasco eliminates Edmund
Nishikori was followed in the second match a bit surprisingly by Spaniard Fernando Verdasco who beat Antwerp-winner Kyle Edmund (GBR/8) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Kukushkin also advances
In the only second round match on the NextGen-court, Mikhail Kukushkin (KZA) ousted Russian Andrey Rublev 7:6(4), 6:4.
Monfils shocks Isner
Regarding his ATP Finals hopes, John Isner had a real tough setback as the tournament’s no. 4 lost to wildcard player Gael Monfils (FRA) 4-6, 4-6.
Monfils wirft Isner raus
Einen schweren Dämpfer in Sachen ATP-Finals-Qualifikation musste John Isner (USA/4) hinnehmen. Der Amerikaner unterlag dem Franzosen Gael Monfils, der dank Wildcard im Hauptbewerb steht, glatt 4:6, 4:6.