The result means Federer is now in danger of failing to qualify for the semi-finals for just the second time in 16 appearances at the event. "I felt we both struggled, you know, throughout the first set," he said.

Kei Nishikori

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"You could tell it was sort of a first round. I had my chances maybe a bit more than he did. Then I started to feel better in the second set. I think we both did. The level went up. Unfortunately I couldn't keep the lead that I got early. That was important, I think, at the end. That was the key of the match."

Nishikori said: "I lost to him twice in the last two months so I played more aggressively and things started working. There were some lucky points but I played well today." Later, Alexander Zverev beat Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/1) yesterday.

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