French Open: Karen Khachanov to face Andy Murray after beating John Isner
Tuesday 6 June 2017 08:32, UK
Karen Khachanov set up a French Open fourth-round clash with Andy Murray after beating 21st seed John Isner in four sets.
The 21-year-old, who is playing in the main draw at Roland Garros for the first time, followed up a surprise win over 13th seed Tomas Berdych with a 7-6 (1) 6-3 6-7 (5) 7-6 (3) victory over Isner.
Kei Nishikori fought off a fierce five-set challenge from rising South Korean talent Hyeon Chung to clinch a place in the last 16.
Eighth seed Nishikori led two sets to one but trailed by a double break at 3-0 down in the fourth set when rain halted play on Saturday.
Chung forced the contest into a deciding set as play resumed on Sunday, but the world No 67 double faulted on match point to gift Nishikori a 7-5 6-4 6-7 (4) 0-6 6-4 victory.
"I think the rain helped me a lot, because I was really down in the fourth set and mentally I wasn't ready," said Nishikori, who received a code violation Saturday after smashing a racquet in frustration.
"I knew I had to change something to beat him today, so I think I made some adjustments to make little better than yesterday.
"Mentally I was a little more fresh, and physically, too, little more have energy on my legs. That helps me a lot."
It was the first third-round meeting between two Asian players at Roland Garros, with 2014 US Open finalist Nishikori going on to play Fernando Verdasco for a place in the quarter-finals.
Gael Monfils set up a fourth-round clash with Stan Wawrinka after his French compatriot Richard Gasquet retired with injury at one-set all.
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