Nishikori wins 5-set thriller, Gasquet earns emotional victory at Roland Garros

Kei Nishikori’s first Grand Slam match since the 2021 US Open proved a memorable one.

The former No. 4 player in the PIF ATP Rankings battled past Canadian qualifier Gabriel Diallo 7-5, 7-6(3), 3-6, 1-6, 7-5 in four hours and 22 minutes Sunday to reach the second round at Roland Garros.

KEI 👏 NISHIKORI 👏

First time back at @rolandgarros since 2021 and @keinishikori gets the victory over Diallo 7-5 7-6(3) 3-6 1-6 7-5.@rolandgarros | #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/BZPQpH0xB3

— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 26, 2024

Nishikori is now 28-7 in five-set matches in his career. His 80 per cent win-rate in five-setters is best among active players, ahead of Adrian Mannarino (77.8%) and Novak Djokovic (77.6%), according to Infosys ATP Stats.

The Japanese star has struggled with injuries over the past few years — this is just his sixth tournament since Indian Wells in October 2021. But it is clear Nishikori’s competitive spirit remains strong.

Diallo won 13 more points than Nishikori in the match, but the Canadian was unable to maintain his momentum after claiming the third and fourth sets. Nishikori earned two service breaks in the deciding set to move into the second round, where he will play 15th seed Ben Shelton or Frenchman Hugo Gaston.

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Another former Top 10 player, Richard Gasquet first competed in the Roland Garros main draw in 2002, before Jannik Sinner’s first birthday. Now the two could meet in a generational clash in Paris.

Wild card Gasquet did his part to set that meeting when he defeated Borna Coric 7-6(5), 7-6(2), 7-5 in three hours and 23 minutes to take a 2-1 lead in the pair's Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

“I don't know if it's one of the nicest ones, but it was a tough win,” said Gasquet, who fell to his back in celebration after the win. “I’m not that young, so that's what I want to live. I don't know if I can live this again because the level is not easy for me. The players play well. They're younger than I am. I managed to do this, and I'm satisfied I could today.”

Sinner, the second seed and this year’s Australian Open champion, can advance to face Gasquet by beating Christopher Eubanks Monday. Gasquet knows if he plays the Italian that it will be a tough challenge.

“If he plays his best tennis, well, he is the favourite. Well, there's a reason, but I've played him twice. Two excellent matches. Three sets I played on grass in Halle, and then Indian Wells I played him. Two good matches I must say, but he is stronger than I am, of course, but I played well,” Gasquet said. “So I hope that it's going to be a big event for me. It's incredible to be on the central court here. To play against Sinner is exceptional. So I'll try and make the most of it and enjoy this great opportunity that I'm given because I'm on the central court.”

In other action, 27th seed Sebastian Korda eliminated French wild card Harold Mayot 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-4. The American has advanced to at least the second round in three consecutie editions and four of the five he has played in overall.

Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs earned his first main draw win at a major when he surged past 24th seed Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-2. 

"It's been incredible, especially after a second set like that. It's the first time I've won in four sets," Bergs said. "I'm still feeling the adrenaline."