Tennis

Nishikori wins 5-setter against Cilic in 5 hours

Published Sep. 2, 2010 5:59 p.m. ET

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Qualifier Kei Nishikori of Japan has upset 11th-seeded Marin Cilic at the U.S. Open in a five-set marathon that took a minute short of five hours with temperatures in the mid-90s.

Nishikori won Thursday's second-round match 5-7, 7-6 (6), 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1.

Two years ago, he reached the fourth round to become the first Japanese man to get that far at the U.S. Open since 1937.

Cilic made the quarterfinals last year, but weakened as this match progressed while Nishikori overcame cramps in his hands and arms to pull out the victory.

He'll have at least one day of rest before his next match, which will be his fifth during this stay at Flushing Meadows, including three qualifying matches he won last week.

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