Nishikori in semis

NEW YORK: Kei Nishikori edged closer to a first ATP Tour in two years at the New York Open on Friday after coming from behind to defeat Moldova’s Radu Albot and claim a semi-final berth.

The Japanese fifth seed, who is on his way back from a five-month injury layoff, recovered from dropping the opening set to defeat Albot 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in Long Island.

Nishikori dropped out of the top 20 last year for the first time since 2014 following a wrist injury.

He launched his comeback this year on the ATP’s Challenger circuit before returning for his first full tour event in New York.