Yoshihito Nishioka and Kei Nishikori won their reverse singles matches as Japan came from behind to beat Britain 3-2 in the first round of the Davis Cup team tennis qualifiers Saturday.
MIKI – Japan After Nishioka’s 6-3, 7-6(0) win over Jacob Fearnley evened the tie at two matches apiece, former world No. 4 Nishikori defeated Billy Harris 6-2, 6-3 at Bourbon Beans Dome in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture.
Nishikori, currently ranked 70th, broke early in both sets and never gave up the advantage against his 129th-ranked opponent.
“I was able to play well today,” said Nishikori, who lost to Fearnley the previous day. “I’m so glad we joined forces to win this tie. It’s a big win for us. There’s a huge difference between a win and loss after a close contest.”
Japan’s Kei Nishikori returns a shot to Britain’s Billy Harris in the final match of the first round of the Davis Cup team tennis qualifiers on Feb. 1, 2025, in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture.
Japan will play its second-round tie in September to compete for a spot in the finals.
On Friday, Japan and Britain split the first two singles matches. Britain led 2-1 when Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski defeated Yosuke Watanuki and Takeru Yuzuki 7-6(4), 7-6(3) in the doubles earlier Saturday.
Kei Nishikori (C) is congratulated by teammates and coaching staff after wrapping up Japan’s win over Britain in the first round of the Davis Cup team tennis qualifiers on Feb. 1, 2025, in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture.
BY: The Times Union – KYODO
