Nishikori wins another five-setter, this time over Khachanov

Kei Nishikori improved to 26-7 lifetime in fifth sets when he battled past No 23 seed Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 during second-round action at the French Open on Wednesday afternoon. Nishikori did not strike a single ace, but he generated 19 break-point chances and converted five while prevailing in three hours and 59 minutes.

Nishikori previously defeated Alessandro Giannessi 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, already adding to his five-set lore.

“Everybody (is) telling me I have good records (in fifth sets),” the Japanese veteran said afterward. “Sometimes I have to think that I have to keep building my record after going five sets. That’s (a) little bit giving me pleasure, too. I think fifth set I’m really playing good tennis, more than any sets. Even though I’m tired, I think I’m playing better and more free, more aggressive, not being passive. Yeah, I think I do many good things especially in the last set.”

Next up for Nishikori is qualifier Henri Laaksonen, a surprise 6-3, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 winner over No 11 seed Roberto Bautista Agut.