Nishikori Escapes Early Trouble To Reach Round Of 16

Nicolas Mahut had his opportunity to cause one of the big shocks of the 2016 US Open. The Frenchman had a break point for a set and a break lead in his third round encounter against Kei Nishikori, but the 2014 finalist dominated the match from then on, reeling off 18 of the last 23 games for the 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory.

Nishikori cruised to the finish line after two hours and 16 minutes, firing 37 winners and just 28 unforced errors. He executed his return game to near perfection in the final three sets, converting seven of 11 break points, while holding Mahut to 54 per cent first serve points won.

The Japanese, who has been pushed to four sets in each of his three matches this week, is into the second week in Flushing Meadows for the third time in eight appearances. He will face either 21st seed Ivo Karlovic or #NextGen star and American hopeful Jared Donaldson next, with a spot in the quarter-finals on the line.