Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori make US Open history
It’s quarter-final day at the 2018 US Open with Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic and Madison Keys all in action at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.
Naomi Osaka was in absolutely imperious mood as she made her first Grand Slam semi-final.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts during her women's singles quarter-final match against Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine on Day Ten of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
That meant very apparent heartbreak for Lesia Tsurenko, though.
Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine plays against Naomi Osaka of Japan during their Women's Singles quarterfinals match at the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 5, 2018. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
There was a rematch of a former final up next, even if Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic looked more like a doubles team.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: (L-R) Kei Nishikori of Japan poses with Marin Cilic of Croatia prior to their men's singles quarter-final match on Day Ten of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Cilic was strong throughout.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: Marin Cilic of Croatia reacts during the men's singles quarter-final match against Kei Nishikori of Japan on Day Ten of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
But it was Nishikori who prevailed to make it a historic day for Japan.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: Kei Nishikori of Japan celebrates match point during his men's singles quarter-final match against Marin Cilic of Croatia on Day Ten of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
There was, of course, a legend or two in the house to enjoy the show.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: Former American tennis player, Andre Agassi waves to fans during the men's singles quarter-final between Kei Nishikori of Japan and Marin Cilic of Croatia on Day Ten of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
As night fell, the magic on Arthur Ashe court just kept coming, as per usual.
US Open Arthur Ashe
Carla Suarez Navarro put up a fight…
Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro complains to the chair umpire about too much noise from the croowd while playing against US Madison Keys during their Women's Singles Quarter-Finals match at the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 5, 2018. (Photo by Don EMMERT / AFP) (Photo credit should read DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)
But Madison Keys was just too strong.
Madison Keys celebrates US Open
You could be forgiven for thinking Novak Djokovic had an easy time of it against John Millman.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during break in play in his men's singles quarter-final match against John Millman of Australia on Day Ten of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
But the reality was very different…
Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return to Australia's John Millman during their Men's Singles Quarter-Finals match at the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 5, 2018. (Photo by Don EMMERT / AFP) (Photo credit should read DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)
… and the reigning Wimbledon champion certainly had to earn his semi-final place.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: Novak Djokovic of Serbia hugs John Millman of Australia after their men's singles quarter-final match against on Day Ten of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
