MIAMI, Florida (Reuters) — Fabio Fognini of Italy beat second seed Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-4 6-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Miami Open on Wednesday (March 29).
The unseeded Italian, ranked 40th in the world, broke the world number four’s serve in the fourth game to lead 3-1. Despite Nishikori breaking back when Fognini served for the set at 5-3, Fognini broke again to take the set 6-4 in 34 minutes.
Fognini produced a great crosscourt pass in the second game of the second set to break and lead 2-0 and then broke again to lead 5-1.
The Japanese, whose game had been well below par, did break serve in the next game, but the Italian came straight back with another break to wrap up the match in 69 minutes.
Fognini will play the winner of the second quarter-final being played later on Wednesday between fifth seed Rafa Nadal of Spain and American 13th seed Jack Sock.
Result:
Fabio Fognini (Italy) beat 2-Kei Nishikori (Japan) 6-4 6-2