In the latest Davis Cup Qualifier, Japan edged out Great Britain with a close 3-2 victory in the first round.
The decisive match was won by Kei Nishikori, who defeated Billy Harris 6-2, 6-3 in the deciding rubber, securing Japan’s advancement to the Qualifying Second Round in September.
This match came after a series of intense singles and doubles contests. Earlier, Jacob Fearnley had levelled the tie for Great Britain by defeating Nishikori in straight sets, while Yoshihito Nishioka had given Japan the lead by beating Harris.
Great Britain clinches a thriller. Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski twice prevail in a tiebreak to win 6-7, 6-7 and move 2-1 ahead of Japan in the tie.
Kei Nishikori plays a flawless match to win the deciding rubber against Billy Harris 6-2, 6-3 and give Japan the win against Great Britain (3-2) in the Davis Cup qualifiers.
Yoshihito Nishioka wins in straight sets and forces a decider between Japan and Great Britain.
Japan will likely face Germany (at home) for a place in the Final 8.
The British duo of Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski managed to win the crucial doubles match, but it was not enough to clinch the tie for Great Britain.