Today’s match was the 14th between the two, with Nishikori currently leading 8:6.
Marin Čilić was stopped in the quarterfinals of the ATP tournament in Monte Carlo as Kei Nishikori celebrated 2:1 in sets with 6:4, 6:7, 6:3, reports Vecernji List on April 20, 2018.
In the first set, the Japanese tennis player already had a break which happened at 2:2. Unfortunately for Croatia's best tennis player, Nishikori was able to maintain his advantage until the end.
Though Čilić started better in the second set and brought the score to 3:1, the Croatian tennis player quickly sought medical help due to knee problems. After the medical team sorted Čilić, he continued to play, but immediately lost his service. It was evident that this was the end for Marin as Nishikori turned around and served at 5:4 for the match. Čilić, however, saved three match points, took Nishikori's service, and after tie-breaks came to 1:1 in sets.
In the decisive third set, the two players put up a big fight for 3:3, though Nishikori’s win of three consecutive games settled the result. After nearly three hours of play, Nishikori was declared the winner.
The match today was the 14th between the two players, and Nishikori is currently ahead 8:6. The Monte Carlo semifinal will see Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated David Goffin with 6:4,7:6 (5), and Rafael Nadal who defeated Dominic Thiem 6:0, 6:2.
