Kei Nishikori staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro in a five-set thriller at the Australian Open, keeping his Grand Slam dream alive after saving two match points.
The Japanese veteran prevailed 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 in a marathon 4-hour, 6-minute battle on John Cain Arena.
The 35-year-old, who has battled years of injuries, revealed he nearly quit tennis last year but was motivated by the desire to return to the big stage.
“I almost gave up at match point,” Nishikori admitted. “I wanted to play in a big stadium like today—that kept me going.”
Nishikori, Asia’s first Grand Slam men’s singles finalist, displayed his signature resilience, improving his five-set record at Melbourne Park to 8-1.
Now coached by 2002 Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson, Nishikori will face either Tommy Paul or Chris O’Connell in the next round.
