Zverev beats Nishikori to reach semis, Murray withdraws

Defending champion Alexander Zverev outlasted Japan's Kei Nishikori 3-6 6-1 6-4 to reach the ATP Washington Open semi-finals while three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray withdrew citing fatigue.

Germany's third-ranked Zverev, seeking his fifth final of the season and third title of the year after Munich and Madrid, yesterday dispatched seventh-seed Nishikori, the 2015 champion, as he did in last year's Washington semi-finals.

"I felt like I had the more powerful shot," Zverev said.

"That worked out well in most of the rallies for me. It was a good high-level match."
"I was serving very well. Confidence plays a very important role in my game so getting early breaks was super important."
"I'm gutted not to be playing. There are lots of positives to take from this week, so I'll take some time to rest and recover and then head to Cincinnati early to prepare and get ready."
"Finishing matches at three in the morning isn't good for anyone involved."
"Need to keep doing what I'm doing, play my game and keep my level high," Tsitsipas said. "I just need to stay humble, serve well, play well from the baseline and be aggressive."
- Russian heritage for foes -
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"It helped us out a lot to have parents to teach us the technique. We're not all the same but we don't have a shot that's so bad."
"There's something about the Russian culture that helps you mature faster than other cultures."
"I'll try to play a couple more good tournaments and do my best at the US Open."