US Open 2016: Kei Nishikori stuns Andy Murray in five sets to reach semis
Britain’s Andy Murray made his earliest Grand Slam exit of the year as Japan’s Kei Nishikori fought back to win their US Open quarter-final in five sets.
Murray, seeded second, led by two sets to one but eventually lost 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-1 7-5 in three hours 57 minutes.
The Wimbledon champion lost his rhythm after rain brought the roof across, and his cool when the stadium sound system interrupted a break point.
Sixth seed Nishikori goes on to face Juan Martin del Potro or Stan Wawrinka.
“It was too exciting on the court, but I tried to stay calm,” said Nishikori, the 2014 runner-up.
Murray, 29, had been on course to become only the fourth man since the open era began in 1968 to reach all four major finals in the same year, having finished runner-up at the Australian and French Opens, and won Wimbledon.
More to follow.