Nishikori edges Comesana in three sets in Cincinnati qualifying

Kei Nishikori came through a three-set battle with Francisco Comesana 6-4 1-6 7-5 to reach the final round of qualifying in Cincinnati. The Japanese lost his way completely in the second set but steadied himself in a decider that stayed on serve until the very end. The margin lay in the reliability of the deliveries: Nishikori landed 65.5% of his first serves against 56.7% for the Argentine, and won half his second-serve points to Comesana's 40.5%. Comesana struck seven aces to four but paid for six double faults. For Nishikori, it was another step back toward the Masters 1000 main draw.