Tennis

Montanes advances at US Open as Nishikori retires

Published Sep. 4, 2010 1:41 p.m. ET

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Qualifier Kei Nishikori retired with a groin injury two days after playing a five-set marathon, giving Albert Montanes a third-round victory at the U.S. Open.

The 21st-seeded Montanes was leading 6-2, 2-1 Saturday when Nishikori retired after 38 minutes. The 147th-ranked Japanese player upset 11th-seeded Marin Cilic 5-7, 7-6 (6), 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1 on Thursday. Nishikori battled cramps in a match that lasted nearly five hours in steamy temperatures.

Montanes reached the round of 16 at a major for the first time. The 29-year-old Spaniard was playing in his 36th Grand Slam tournament. He advanced to third round in each of the first three majors this year.

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