Nishikori edges Ofner in three sets in US Open qualifying

Kei Nishikori came through a swinging three-setter against Sebastian Ofner, 6-1 2-6 6-2, to reach the last round of US Open qualifying. The Japanese raced through the opener, lost his way in a one-sided second set, then reasserted himself in the decider. The serve numbers explained the margins: Nishikori landed 60.7% of first serves and won 68.5% of those points, while Ofner, despite four aces to his opponent's one, was undone behind his second delivery, winning only 42.3% of those points against Nishikori's 48.6%. Both men struck three double faults. It was another step in the former finalist's route back to the main draw.