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Tiafoe pulls out all the stops in loss to Nishikori

2018 Erste Bank Open Round 1: K. Nishikori vs F. Tiafoe Match Point

Frances Tiafoe pulled out all the stops against Kei Nishikori in the first round in Vienna, but it wasn't enough.

Nishikori, the No. 5 seed, served for the match in the second set, before needing a third set to prevail, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-2.

"I was little bit down after losing the second set because from 5-4, I lost three games in a row," Nishikori said. "It wasn’t easy mentally. I had to rebuild again my confidence."

The marathon match gave the 20-year-old American plenty of opportunity to show off his touch. Not only did he hit a deft passing shot half-volley winner, but he also managed a reverse return off of a skillful Nishikori lob.

Nishikori is on the verge of returning to the Top 10 after a wrist injury nearly pushed him out of the Top 40.

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