By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday May 28, 2024
Not only did Kei Nishikori earn his first win at a major since 2021 on Day 1 at Roland-Garros. The Japananese star also earned another five-set victory, improving his already stellar ledger in five-set clashes to 28-7.
The 34-year-old former World No.4 defeat Canadian qualifier Gabriel Dialls 7-5, 7-6(3), 3-6, 1-6, 7-5 in four hours and 22 minutes to set a second-round clash with American Ben Shelton.
Players born after 1960 who have won at least 80% of their 5-set matches, according to ATP official website
• 🇯🇵 Kei Nishikori (28-7, 80.0%)
End of list pic.twitter.com/2RZWDftXrn
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) May 26, 2024
Per the ATP Tour, Nishikori’s 80 percent winning percentage in five-setters is best among active players, ahead of Adrian Mannarino (77.8%) and Novak Djokovic (77.6%).
Since Roland-Garros 2017, Nishikori has won 13 of 14 five-setters. Dating back to 2010, when he played his first five-setter in Paris, Nishikori is 10-2 in deciding sets in Paris.
Marred by injuries, Nishikori has played just five matches since 2021 Indian Wells.
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