Cilic, Nishikori set for US Open final rematch

Marin Cilic and Kei Nishikori will meet in the semi-finals at the Citi Open in Washington, their first encounter since the final of last year’s US Open.

The other semi-final will see American John Isner meet compatriot Steve Johnson after eighth-seed Isner defeated Ricardas Berankis ofLithuania 6-3 5-7 6-3, while Johnson upset 15th-seed Jack Sock 7-6 6-1.

Third-seed Cilic beat German teenager Alexander Zverev 7-5 7-6 in quarter-final action on Friday, while second-seed Nishikori ended the run of Australian qualifier Sam Groth 6-4 6-4.

Japan’s Nishikori has beaten Cilic in five of their eight head-to-head matches, but in their last meeting at Flushing Meadows last September the Croatian prevailed in straight sets (6-3 6-3 6-3) to win his first Grand Slam title.

Nishikori has been one of the strongest players this season. He has moved up to fifth in the world rankings with a 41-9 record.

Only Novak Djokovic (48-3) and Andy Murray (48-8) have more match wins on the 2015 ATP World Tour.

“Hopefully, I can get some revenge against Marin,” Nishikori said.

“I’ve been playing good here and hopefully I can come up with another good one in the semis tomorrow.”