Wawrinka dominates Krajicek to reach Japan Open semifinals

Nishikori had already gained a measure of revenge for last year’s U.S. Open final defeat by beating Cilic in the semifinals of the Citi Open in August, but the world No. 6 was more than happy to repeat the achievement in front of an enthusiastic Tokyo crowd.

The sixth-ranked Nishikori broke Querrey to go up 2-1 in the second set and by no means let his opponent again in the match.

Cilic, who is seeking his first title of the year and the 14th of his career, hit a powerful forehand to wrap up the match in 73 minutes.

Earlier, French Open champion Stan Wawrinka overpowered Austin Krajicek 6-3 6-4 to advance to the last four.

Meanwhile, tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios brutalised Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, the muscular Australian taking less than an hour to complete a 6-4, 6-2 second-round victory in Tokyo with a few equally strong-arm tactics. “After training I see the crowds and think ‘now I know what it feels like to be a lion in a zoo'”.

“The wind made it hard today but I hung in and waited for my chances”, added the Japanese superstar.

Nishikori would ride the momentum of that save to two break points in the next game, but Cilic fought him off admirably to hold for 1-all.

The Swiss player, who has won three titles this year, will face Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Having levelled thanks to a crisp backhand, the second seed pushed on in the decider and closed out the quarter-final with an ace of his own, winning 3-6 7-5 6-3. “I know what I have to do and hopefully I can play a good match tomorrow”.