Marin Cilic sets up showdown with Kei Nishikori in Japan Open last eight

08 October 2015 10:31

Sixth seed Marin Cilic defeated Steve Johnson in straights sets to book a quarter-final showdown with reigning champion Kei Nishikori at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships.

Cilic needed 74 minutes to overcome American Johnson 6-3 6-3 but is set for a tougher test against home hope Nishikori, the second seed who has won this tournament twice in the last three years.

Also progressing to the last eight on Thursday was Nick Kyrgios, who was in a hurry to beat Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, taking less than an hour to record a 6-4 6-2 triumph.

Next up for the Australian, looking to reach his second straight semi-final after Kuala Lumpur last week, is Frenchman Benoit Paire, who edged past Marcos Baghdatis 6-3 2-6 7-5.

American Austin Krajicek was the other victor on Thursday, and his reward for a 2-6 6-4 6-3 comeback victory over Joao Sousa is a quarter-final clash with top seed Stan Wawrinka.

Source: PA