Kei Nishikori plays an extraordinary match in Rome to defeat Richard Gasquet 6-1 6-4. Before the match, Kei had a 1-6 win-loss record against the Frenchman, but Nishikori has just beaten Gasquet 1 week ago in Madrid, so he was full of confidence.

Nishikori was perfect until he grabbed a quick 6-1 4-1, then things went south for the Japanese that lost three consecutive games (4-all) and he had to save two consecutive break points in the 9^th game. Eventually, Kei held his serve to break Gasquet in the following game and win the match.

The quarters vs. Thiem

Kei will play Dominic Thiem in the quarters. The head to head is 1-0 for Kei that defeated the Austrian in Halle 2015 on grass 7-6 (4) 7-5.

THE DRAW